Martens, Florence (Topel) 1911-1981

TOPEL, SCHROEDER, MARTENS, NESVIK, KLEPPE, HENKES, RUSSELL, MARTINS

Posted By: Connie Ellis (email)
Date: 3/8/2011 at 17:02:38

SOURCE: Waukon, Iowa WAUKON REPUBLICAN-STANDARD, December 19, 1981
Contributor: Connie Ellis (Not related)

Funeral services for Florence Marie Martens, age 70, a well known resident of the Ossian, Iowa area, were held December 16, 1981 at 1:30 p.m. at the Ossian Lutheran Church. Pastor Jack Peterson officiating and the Schmitt Funeral Service in charge of arrangements. Burial was in the Postville Cemetery. Pallbearers were Dennis Martins, L'Dean Henkes, James Henkes, Howard Wangsness and Ray Uhlenhake.

Florence Marie Henrietta Topel was born November 29, 1911 in Allamakee County, Iowa, a daughter of William and Mathilda (Schroeder) Topel of rural Monona, Iowa. She attended the rural schools near her home in Clayton County, Iowa. She was confirmed in St. Paul Lutheran Church at Monona, Iowa by Pastor Albert Daugs. She was united in marriage to John Carl Martens of Postville, Iowa on March 4, 1931 by Pastor Gartner of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Postville, Iowa. They were the parents of three daughters and one son. They farmed in the Ossian area for many years where she was a member of the Ossian Lutheran Church and an active member of the A.L.C.W.

Florence passed away Sunday morning, December 13, 1981 in the Postville Community Hospital. She had been in failing health for several months. She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Margie Mae Martens on December 13, 1934.

Surviving are her husband John; a son Donald and his wife Connie of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; 2 daughters, Mrs. Harlin (Marlene) Nesvik of Ossian, Iowa and Mrs. Dennis (Joan) Kleppe of Monmouth, Iowa; 8 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson, Steven Nesvik, son of Mr. and Mrs. Rick Nesvik of Ossian, Iowa; 3 sisters, Mrs. Donald (Iva) Henkes, Mrs. Lloyd (Viola) Russell, and Mrs. Delos (Donna) Martins, all of Monona, Iowa.

NOTE: Researchers need to look at "Martens" and "Martins" names because it is spelled both ways for various family members. Florence's husband, John C. Martens is listed in the Allamakee Obituary section under MARTINS. However, Martens is the most used form for this family. Also note that Florence is listed in John's obituary as dying in 1980 but December 13, 1981 is the correct date as listed in her obituary and social security index.