Died Monday December 14, 2015 at Providence Place in Fremont.
Gene was born May 7, 1934 in Shenandoah, Iowa to Harold and Edythe 'Billie' (Miller) Martin. The family moved to Fremont in 1939. Gene attended Fremont High School where he was a member of the basketball, football and track teams. He graduated in 1952. He attended Midland Lutheran College and graduated in 1959 with a degree in education/business after serving in the U.S. Army.
On August 16, 1959 Gene married Joan Jurgens in Wyerts Lutheran Church in Gurley, Nebraska. He was an active member of First Lutheran Church where he served on the church council and enjoyed teaching Sunday School. He coached Little League baseball and officiated high school basketball and football as well as college football. Gene was an avid golfer and enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in school activities and sports. He served on the board of Realtors, Fremont Housing Authority, Salvation Army and United Way. He was also a member of Kiwanis and the Fremont Golf Club. Gene was inducted into both the Fremont High School Hall of Fame and the Midland College Hall of Fame.
Survivors:
Wife Joan of Fremont
Children Mike Martin of Houston, TX.
Barb Martin of Fremont
Brian Martin of Fremont
6 grandchildren Zach Berglund of Westminster, CO.
Brian Berglund of Des Moines, IA.
Joslynn Martin of Fremont
Jake Martin of Fremont
Lillian Martin of Madison, WI.
Madaline Martin of New Orleans, LA.
Sister Aldean (Floyd) Foster of Arkansas
Brothers-in-law Clint (Maryann) Jurgens of Austin, TX.
Jim (Cheryl) Jurgens of Whitefish, MT.
many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters Vonda and Tommie Joe.
There is no viewing but the family will be present from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel to receive friends. Burial will be at 9:30am Friday at Memorial Cemetery with a Celebration of Life service to follow at 10:30am on Friday at First Lutheran Church in Fremont with the Rev. Marty Tollefson officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Fremont Area Alzheimer's Collaboration (Attn: Fremont Area Community Foundation), Fremont YMCA (for Youth Scholarships) or First Lutheran Church Youth Mission Program.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(10)
Rob Nelson
Lenexa, KS Monday, December 21, 2015 Hello Joan and Brianreceived the sad news sorry for the loss
Tom Lemons
Elkhorn, NE Saturday, December 19, 2015 Joanie and family,We just heard the news today and unfortunately missed the services. Our prayers are with you and your family. Please know that we are thinking of you!
Tom Vitamvas
Papillion, NE Saturday, December 19, 2015 Joan & FamilyJust heard of Gene's passing! Wonderful memories of our days playing football at Midland & as Delta Chi Fraternity brothers. He was a stellar athlete, but more importantly, he went out of his way to welcome me, as a freshman, onto the team & into the fraternity. My thoughts, prayers & heart are with you & your family. All my best!
Tom Vitamvas
Betsy Moore Hulett
Fremont, NE Friday, December 18, 2015 Our prayers are with you all.Kevin & Betsy Hulett
Jan Ball
Fremont, NE Thursday, December 17, 2015 Joan and family,So sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Ruth Ruhrer
Chandler, AZ Thursday, December 17, 2015 Joanie and family, I was sorry to hear of Gene's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.Brad and Deb Lensch
Fremont, NE Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Barbie,Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family!
Harold 'Hap' Rhea
Highlands Ranch, CO Tuesday, December 15, 2015 Gene Martin, my friend for over 60 years. Gene was kind, good-looking and a great athlete, he looked after me like a big brother. He came from a very caring family, Harold and Billie took me into their home when I needed help as they did for other friends of Gene's. I will always have great memories of Harold 'Gene' Martin. Sincerely, Harold 'Hap' RheaDickmeyer
, NE Monday, December 14, 2015 Joan and family, So sorry to read that Gene has passed. I first met him in High school when I was hanging around the YMCA. One of the neatest guys around. Donholly Stewart
Broken arrow, OK Monday, December 14, 2015 I will miss you Uncle Gene more than anyone will ever know! You were the gentle giant to our family! You made sure that I came to love the HUSKERS! I will always remember the sparkle in your eyes! The joy when you saw Tanner and how you played with him when he was young! I love you!