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Berton “Bert” Martin, 88, of Sac City passed away on March 10, 2025, at Park View Care Center, Sac City.
Berton Leroy Martin was born on May 15, 1936, to Russell and Clara (Clevor) Martin in Storm Lake. Bert would later graduate from Sulphur Springs High School where he excelled at orneriness.
Bert was blessed with six children: Wanda, Dennis, David, Doug, Allayna and Chelsea.
In his spare time, he enjoyed motorcycles which included his ’72 Harley Chopper, Goldwing, BMW, Yamaha and eventually a Harley Bad Boy. Bert was known to do the Rendezvous, which embraced the mountain man experiences even traveling in an old rickety bus to attend one held in Florida.
Bert worked at Merrill Manufacturing and Hygrade in Storm Lake in his younger years. In early 1973, Bert started Martin Tree Service, which he operated for many years, even in his time in Drake and Estes Park areas of Colorado and back in Iowa. This passion for the cutting trees would continue well into his 80s, a feat he was proud of.
Bert was married to Jean Riddle while in Colorado. The couple would enjoy many years together and lived outside Newell and later Sac City.
Survivors include his wife Jean Martin of Sac City; son Dennis (Lisa) Martin of Frederick, Colo.; son David (Brenda) Martin of Sherman, Texas; Doug (Deb) Martin of Branson, Mo.; daughter Allayna (Carlos) Sanchez of Fonda; daughter Chelsea (Stephen) Rose of Des Moines; stepdaughter Traci (Roger) Cooper of Kuna, Idaho; stepdaughter Cori Wilson of Sac City; grandchildren: Travis Martin, Dylan Martin, Rochelle Anderson, Nathan Martin, Aaron Martin, Daniel, Chase, Lilly, and Malachi Rose, Emma, Chris and Mia Sanchez; step grandchildren: Kelli, Sandi and Daniel Hines; numerous great-grandchildren.
Bert was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Clara Martin; infant daughter Wanda; granddaughter Brianne Martin; brothers, Earnest and Raymond; sisters: Patricia Schossow, Lorraine Lund and Charlotte Martin; and brother-in-law Mike Dick.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 18, at Bethel Baptist Church in Newell, with Pastor Tim Ried officiating. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, March 17, at Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City.
