Thomas, Lisa (Martens) (1962 - 2021)

THOMAS, MARTENS

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 10/4/2022 at 16:34:10

Name of deceased: Lisa Thomas (nee Martens)

Aged: 59 yrs, 10 mo, 23 days

Residence: Soldotna, AK

Born: Jan. 22, 1962; Harlan, Shelby County, IA

Died: Dec. 15, 2021; Soldotna, Kenai Peninsula Borough, AK

Funeral services: Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022; Monroe Chapel United Methodist Church, Walnut, IA; burial was in the Monroe Township Cemetery, Walnut, IA

Survived by: Son, Logan (spouse, Kelsi) Thomas of Elk Horn, IA; daughter, Taeryn Thomas of Soldotna, AK; brothers, Gary (spouse, Betty) Martens of Walnut, IA and Hal (spouse, Deborah) Martens of Aurora, CO; 1 grandchild

Predeceased by: Parents, Charles and Marlys Martens

Education: Graduated from Elk Horn-Kimballton (IA) High School with the Class of 1980. She then attended Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO, where she obtained a degree in geology. After her daughter, Taeryn, was born in 1999, Lisa returned to Northwest Missouri State and obtained a master's degree in science education.

Religious affiliation: no information provided

Military service: n/a

Marriage: no information provided

Employment: Lisa began her teaching career in Arizona until after her marriage and first child was born. The family then relocated to Elk Horn, IA where she taught at Elk Horn-Kimballton High School; she started off teaching math and eventually acquired the science teaching position. In 2010, Lisa decided to pursue her dream of moving to Alaska. She obtained a position in Metlakatla, AK. where she moved to in the summer of 2010. Lisa taught in Metlakatla until she was offered a teaching position at Skyview High School in Soldotna, AK.

Hobbies/Interests: Early in her life, Lisa developed a love of animals, the Denver Broncos, and grew to love cycling. After her breast cancer diagnosis in 2007, Lisa rode her bike across Iowa with Team Livestrong for the annual RAGBRAI, the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. Lisa lived in Soldotna, AK. for many years and would cycle, hike, take pictures, and paint. Her photography was often displayed locally, and she was asked by many people to take pictures for many different events.

Sources: kjan.com; knodfm.com; pauleyjones.com