PARK RAPIDS — Dr. R.A. Martens went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019. He had been residing at Crystal Brook Memory Care Home in Park Rapids, Minn. He was 87 years old.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, at Minnesota Valley Funeral Home (North Chapel) in New Ulm, Minn., and one hour prior to his funeral service, which will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 28, at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minn. A luncheon will follow the service. Internment will be 2:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at Hebron Cemetery, Judson, Minn.

Robert (Bob) was born in New Ulm, Minn., to Henry and Christine (Ulrich) Martens. He graduated from New Ulm High School and studied pre-vet at Gustavus Adolphus College. He went on to do his doctorate work in veterinary science at the University of Minnesota.

In September of 1953, he married Carol M. Halverson.

He graduated from the U of M Veterinary College in 1956. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, he (Doc) and Carol moved back to their hometown area and began a veterinary practice in Nicollet, Minn. Later, they added clinics in New Ulm and Mankato. Bob was acknowledged as the Minnesota Veterinarian of the Year in 1981. He served as an advisor to the Dean of the Veterinary School for many years during his practice and in retirement. He retired from his veterinary practice in 1997 after serving livestock producers and pet owners for over 40 years.

He was a past president of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association. In addition to his veterinary practice, Doc was very dedicated to his community. He was a past Mayor of Nicollet, Minn., for 10 years, past president of the Nicollet School Board, founding president of the Nicollet Lions Club and past director of the Nicollet Bank. In 1981, he was a recipient of the WCCO Good Neighbor Award. Bob’s civic efforts and support helped build the fire hall for the City of Nicollet and a new school in 1985. Bob’s business ventures included reserving green space for a park in Nicollet while investing in housing to support the city’s growth.

During his retirement, he presided over the Vanderbilt Towers in Naples, Fla., for 13 years as chairman of their housing board. He also continued to be involved with the Minnesota Veterinary Association.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol; his parents, Henry and Christine; brothers, Harvey and Leroy; sisters-in-law, Dodie, Darlene and Dorothy; and brother-in-law, Tom Davis.

Left to cherish his memory are four sons, Robert (Rob) of Richmond, Va., Dave (Cindy) Menahga of Minn., Dan (Sue) of Hudson, Wis., and John of Spicer, Minn.; eight grandchildren, Steve (Holly), Sara (Garrett), Katelyn (April), Joel, Ben, Jakson, Noah and Eli; five great-grandchildren, Wesley, Max, Ava, Zoey and Felix; brothers, Carl (Dorothy), Henry Jr. “Buddy,” and Ken; sisters, Marlys (Ron) Renner, Jan (Ted) Hundeby, and Anita Davis; sister-in-law, Abi; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Through 65 years of marriage, Doc and Carol enjoyed an abundance of happy adventures. Their love of travel brought them all around the world. Their residences included Nicollet, Lake Washington, Naples, Fla., Mankato, Fairmont, and Park Rapids.

Doc enjoyed many years of hunting and fishing. He also loved spending time at his cabin in northern Minnesota entertaining friends and family. Doc will be remembered for his zest for life and his dedicated work ethic. Faith, family, friends and community were all very important to him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Minnesota Veterinary Foundation or Hosanna Campus Ministry Fund, Hosanna Lutheran Church, Mankato, Minn.

www.mvfh.org

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]