Helen Martensen's Obituary
Helen Martensen, 99, of Clinton, passed away, Friday, November 22, 2024 at her home.
Memorial Services will be 11:00am, Friday, December 13, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church. Visitation will be from 10:00am to the service time at the church. Burial will be in the Clinton Lawn Cemetery. The Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family.
Helen was born on April 17, 1925 in Clinton, the daughter of Mike and Mildred (Peavich) Rajcevich. She grew up in a family of 13, and it was hard, but great. Most of it was during the Great Depression. They were a close family with good times and sad times. She was a 1943 graduate of Clinton High School. She worked for Walgreens, Climax Engineering, and City National Bank. She was also co-owner of Carlsen Paint Store which was a mom and pop store. She married Chris Martensen, after he served in World War II, on June 8, 1947; he passed away, August 27, 2009. Together they raised a family of four kids; helping them, supporting them, and guiding them in their journey through life. She enjoyed and loved her family dearly.
Helen was a member of Zion Lutheran Church for over 77 years. She enjoyed traveling and had traveled to most of the 50 states and Europe. She also enjoyed gardening, fishing, and was an avid reader.
Helen is survived by her son: Michael (Carol) Martensen of Colorado Springs, Colorado, three daughters: Sandra (Steve) Rickertsen of Seabrook, Texas, Susan Pearson of Aledo, Illinois, and Michelle Martensen of Clinton, Iowa; 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; her sister: Dorothy Truninger of Clinton, Iowa; her brother: Eli Rajcevich of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by five brothers: Joe, Mike, George, John, and Nick all of whom served in World War II; and three sisters: Ruby, Mildred, and Sophie.
Memorials can be made to Zion Lutheran Church or Mercy Hospice.
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