Martensen, Loran M.

Loran M. Martensen, 64, passed away at his home in Cedar Rapids on Sept. 20, 2013. A Celebration of Life / visitation will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 520 Wilson Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, where the family will greet friends from 4 p.m. until service time. Service will be conducted by the Rev. Harlan Gillespie. Private family burial: Linwood Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Loran M. Martensen was born March 15, 1949, to Alfred M. and Grace LaVerne (Grimm) Martensen in Sabula, Iowa. Loran graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1967 and then Clinton Community College. On Dec. 30, 1981, he married Katherine Emerson. Loran worked for the Iowa Department of Transportation for 40 years before retiring in 2011.

Loran was good at thinking of solutions to problems, whether it be helping out a friend or creating a new invention. He was a big fan of the Hawkeyes, drag racing, and making special breakfasts for his family on Sunday mornings. Loran enjoyed teaching his daughters to respect and appreciate nature, taking them on many adventures. He was fond of visiting his friends up north during hunting trips and always came back home with plenty of photos and stories to tell. A conservationist and animal rescuer, one of his most cherished memories was helping a bald eagle while hunting in 2012.

Loran is survived by his wife, Kathy of Cedar Rapids; two daughters, Kristin (Ryne) Rumelhart of Guthrie Center and Erin Young of Cedar Rapids; two granddaughters, Ella Young of Cedar Rapids and Rowan Rumelhart of Guthrie Center; sister, LaVonne (Paul) Williams of Maquoketa; father- and mother-in-law, Richard and Donna Emerson of Albia, Iowa; brothers-in-law, Mark (Sylvia) Emerson of Albia and Tom (Linda) Emerson of Virginia Beach, Va.; two nieces, Tiffany Anderson and Melissa Emerson; and two nephews, Christopher Emerson and Michael Emerson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and many cherished animal companions, including two beloved dogs, Spooky and Whitney.

Loran loved his family and especially enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids.

He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

A memorial fund has been established in Loran's memory.

Please sign the online guest book for Loran at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Published Sept. 22, 2013 in The Gazette