Harold Marten

Harold Marten, 94, of Keokuk, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 12th, 2018, at River Hills. Harold was born on November 14, 1923 in Mapleton, Iowa. He was the son of John and Mima Marten. He spent many years growing up there, until joining the Navy in 1943 to serve in World War II. He served as a gunner on several Merchant Marine ships while traveling around the world. His favorite port was Egypt where he had fond memories. Harold was known by his co-workers as Marty, and by his Navy buddies as well as immediate family as Fritz. Upon return from the service in the Navy, Harold was introduced to Mary Louise Spring, and they were married on January 20, 1946. She preceded him in death in 1998. They settled in Keokuk, where he built his own house and spent most of their years living on Main Street. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, gardener and cook. He was a carpenter for R. L. Patton Construction Company where he had a hand in many of the buildings around Keokuk. He was an active member in St Mary's church and called bingo at Cardinal Stritch for many years. Harold leaves behind 5 children: Curtis and his wife Evelyn from Rohnert Park, California, Patt...[more]

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nd her husband Neal Sherrill from Phoenix, Arizona, Kris and her husband Jim Wilsey from Keokuk, Greg and his wife Treasure Anne from Moline, Illinois, and Karla Russell from Indianapolis, Indiana. Harold has nine grandchildren: Dana Marten and Lauren Oblad in California; Carrie Bechtel, and Andy Sherrill in Colorado; Adrian Sherrill in Arizona; Matthew Marten, Jeremiah Hammel, and Tara Slater from Illinois; and Kevin Russell in Indiana. He leaves behind 16 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Harold has one brother Paul still living in Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, five brothers and one granddaughter. Celebration of his life will be Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 11:00 AM at The Church of All Saints in Keokuk, Iowa with Father Mark Spring officiating. Family will meet with friends from 10:00 AM until time of services at The Church of All Saints. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Keokuk, Iowa.