George Martin Obituary

George W Martin, born on September 6, 1938 (86), in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was sent to his eternal home on July 21, 2025, surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Clara, sister Rita Snow, brothers Raphael Martin and John Martin, and daughter Mary Gase.  

George is survived and missed by his wife of 61 years, Sandra (Broz); and his eight children, Connie (Brad) Wisnousky, Don (Cari) Martin, Dean (Carole) Martin, Michelle (Gary) Zaugg, Renee (Chad) Reedich, Matthew (Susan) Martin, Amanda Martin, John (Ashley) Martin. His memory will be cherished by his 27 grandchildren, George, Alex (Danielle), Joseph (Caitlin), Kathryn (Brandon), Holly (Stephen), Austin, Dorothy (Tyler), Julianne, Ashley, Noelle (Christian), Marcus (Claire), Eric, Nicholas, Elizabeth (Jordan), Lance, Grace, Garett, Hailea, Avrionna, Clayton, Braden, Cora, Claira, Marybelle, Sandra, Cruz, Megan and his 8 great grandchildren, Hazelmae, Harrison, Carson, Jace, Hensley, Kace, Gabriel, and Marcus. George was also survived by his five sisters, Dolores Kloubec, Rosanne Altenhofen, Mary Ellen Wall, Elaine (Robert) Mowry, and Margaret (Robert) Drake.

We remember George as a man whose strength was matched only by his love for his family. He found joy in simple pleasures: camping with friends and loved ones, escaping to Alamo, Texas for the winter sun, and always sharing stories that made everyone laugh.

He was a farmer to the core — stubborn, steady, fiercely committed to fighting for what is fair and providing for those he loved. His hands bore the marks of a lifetime of honest labor, and his heart held the quiet pride of a man who lived by his values. For 25 years, he served on the Benton Community School Board, believing deeply in the importance of education and community. He was also a 4-H leader for L&W Feeders in Iowa County for many years.

His life was rich — not in things, but in meaning. He taught the value of perseverance, the strength of commitment, and the power of love that spans generations. While he is gone, his spirit lives on in the fields he tended, the family he built, and the lives he touched.

Visitation is from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 27th and 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Monday, July 28th, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Norway, Iowa.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 28th, 2025, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Norway, Iowa. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery along with a luncheon at St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

Memorials may be directed to the local fire department and/or 4-H.