Grace Martens

Grace Martens, 90, of Atlantic, Iowa, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Monday, August 3, 2026, at Heritage House.

Grace Pearl was born on November 18, 1935, in Pocahontas, Iowa. She was the 6th born of 7 children born to Walter and Beatrice (Eaton) Johnson. Grace was a town girl and attended Pocahontas Community Schools. While in high school she played six-on-six basketball for the Indians', playing the position of guard; it is said she was a scrappy one! Grace graduated from Pocahontas High School in the Class of 1954.

On September 1, 1954, she was united in marriage to Robert Martens in Pocahontas, Iowa. Soon after their marriage they started their family and were blessed with five children, Jon, Janet, Mark, Malinda and the youngest who she treated like her favorite, Jim. The family moved due to Robert’s job with Thermogas from Pocahontas to Storm Lake, Sibley and later settled in Atlantic late in 1966.

Grace started working at the “Old” Atlantic Hospital on 5th Street in 1966. She was a Ward Clerk and always a welcoming face when you entered. Grace loved being part of a team that helped people; she retired from Cass County Memorial Hospital in 1998, after 32 years of dedicated service.

Grace was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and became more active in retirement as it gave her purpose. She served in many roles through the years including helping in the office and with the rummage sale but was well known as the go to for funeral luncheons. And you better bet that the bread for her funeral luncheon sandwiches will be buttered ALL the way to the edges! She was also a member of Eastern Star and Atlantic B.P.O. Does, Drove #23. Grace loved doing crafts, watching sports, and volunteering her time to Cass County Relay for Life and the Atlantic Food Pantry. She was an avid Iowa Hawkeye Fan, Go Hawks!

FAITH, FAMILY and FRIENDS, this is how Grace lived her life! She had a deep unwavering faith in Jesus and wanted to be sure those around her, especially her family, were encouraged to find their own personal trust in Him. Grace looked forward to family gatherings, Easter being her favorite! It wasn’t the special dish she made or a particular tradition, she just wanted to see her family, and her family knew “you better show or else you might hear about it.” It was a sure bet that any conversation you had with her included something about her grandkids, who lovingly called her GG! She treasured time with her closest friends, one particular group called themselves the Four Amigos.

Grace was strong-willed but loved fiercely; she was a social butterfly and could make you smile no matter what kind of day you were having. She will be deeply missed by all that knew her including her children, Jon (Diane) Martens, Janet Reed, Mark Martens, Malinda (Tim) Bruns, and Jim (Suzanne) Martens; grandchildren, Adam Soper, Brandon (Mic) Martens, Tony Bruns, Crystal Soper, Joe Zaiger, Michelle (Tyler) Nelson, Matt Bruns, James Martens, Nikalya (Matt) Wilmers, and Kaylee Nelson; great-grandchildren; Brady, Chloe, Trevon, Adalyn, Kenley (Jaela), Kelsey (Tyler), Zach, Autumn, Grace, Myah, Sophira, Hazel, Octavia, Artemis, Jordan, Carter, Lexie, Brooklyn, Nora, Alivia, Braylen, Brody, Evie, Maddie and Haelynn; great-great-grandchildren, Damon, Lil, Faye and Rowan; sister, Virigina McEnany; sisters-in-law, Sharon and Sally Johnson; special friend, Shirly Stender; the countless people that lovingly called her Grandma Grace; and numerous extended family.

She is preceded in death by her father, Walter Johnson; mother, Beatrice Johnson; son-in-law, Ron Reed; great-granddaughter, Maggie Zaiger; brothers, Robert Johnson, at the age of 2, Wally (Joyce) Johnson, Don Johnson, Dick Johnson, and Paul Johnson; brother-in-law, Don McEnany; great-nephew, Pete Johnson; special friends, Helen Petersen, Mary Lou Hoegh and Pam Mennes and ex-husband, Robert Martens.

Grace’s children would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff at Heritage House for the care and friendship shown to our mother. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Visitation with the family present will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 7th at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Atlantic.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 8th at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, with Pastor Lauri Boysen officiating. The service will be recorded and be available on the funeral home website by end of day Sunday.

Burial will be at 3:00 p.m., Saturday at the Summit Hill Cemetery in Pocahontas, Iowa.

The family requests memorials to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or Cass County Relay for Life.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Grace's family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.