Ill But A Few Days
In the early morning hours on Thursday, April 27, 1933, death again called in our midst and claimed the life of Mr. Dethlef Martens Sr., one of our most highly respected and beloved pioneer citizens. Ripe in years, but never helpless physically and always able to be on his feet until the last minute, he passed away quietly after a brief illness. He lived with his children, Annina and Peter ever since he moved to Manning, and with all of his children living in the neighborhood in Manning, he enjoyed the eve of life in the family circle. The children with constant concern about his welfare formed his years to comfort with greatest care and sacrifice. After losing his true helpmate and wife many years ago, he found a reward in the loving care of his children. Well may his family cherish his memory as a precious legacy. While the silence of death wraps and chills us, memories, sweet and precious, come to us. He was a man true to the core to his family and friends.

Dethlef Hinrich Martens, was born June 21, 1842, in the village of Wrohm, in the Parish of Tellingstedt, Norder Dithmarschen, Holstein, Germany. In this beautiful country, located between the Kiel canal and the North Sea, the deceased received his education and grew to manhood. In 1869, he came to America, direct to Clinton, Ia., where he found employment in a sawmill. He was married in Clinton to Miss Caroline Ehlers in 1875. The year following their marriage the young couple moved to Carroll county, locating on a farm about 4 miles north of Manning, now occupied by his son John N. and family.

In 1892, on December 3rd, the grim reaper visited the happy home and claimed the mother of his children and the beloved wife, leaving him with seven children, who are now left to mourn the death of the father: they are five sons, John, William, Henry, Detlef and Peter; two daughters, Mrs. Margaret Witt and Miss Annina. He also leaves 19 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; a half sister, Mrs. Henry Schroeder of Norfolk, Nebraska, and many other relatives and friends.

The year after the death of his wife, he moved to Manning, purchasing the comfortable home on May street and has resided there since with his children Annina and Peter. He was a man of a quiet disposition and loved his home and children, and in later years very seldom left his home.

The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. J.M. Ansorge at 2:00 P. M. Sunday, April 30, 1933 from the Ohde funeral home, under a large attendance of relatives and friends. Burial was made at the Manning cemetery. As pallbearers acted six grandsons: Willis Martens, Lewis Martens, Walter Martens, Edwin Martens, Alvin Martens, and Irwin Witt.

This weary wanderer reached the age of 90 years, 10 months and six days. In his earthly travels he was a hard worker and a good provider, for his family, a kind neighbor and friend. May his soul rest in peace.

Out of town friends and relatives attending the funeral were:

Mrs. Hy. Schroeder, Norfolk, Neb.; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ehlers Sr. and daughter Mary and Leona of Arcadia; Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Ehlers and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ehlers Jr. of Storm Lake; Mr. and Mrs. Julius Ehlers and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Ehlers of Arcadia; Dr. and Mrs. M. H. Lynch and daughter Rita of Atlantic, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Hoss and daughters Ruby and Helen of Manilla; and Mrs. Glen Aikman of Gray; Mr. and Mrs. Clifford McClenahan of Omaha, Neb.; Miss Emma Graves of Omaha; Mr. Phillip Signal of Carroll; Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Grenwaldt of Coon Rapids; Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Dozler of Templeton.