Larry Doran Martens was born March 30, 1949, in Fremont, Ne., to Raymond and Dorthey (Derr) Martens. He was confirmed at First Lutheran Church and graduated from Fremont Senior High School in 1967. In 1968 he married Sharon Ray Martens (Gannon) at First Congregational Church in Grand Island, Ne. Larry attended United Electronics Institute in Des Moines, Ia., and worked for Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, Ia., before he moved back to Fremont and began working for Valmont Industries in 1970. He worked there for 46 years as an Electronic Tech in the Structures Maintenance Department. He also worked for several years as an engineer for the local radio station KHUB.
Larry was a well-known as an enthusiastic amateur ("ham") radio operator whose call sign, K0SW, was frequently heard on the local ham networks. He was an active member of the Pioneer Amateur Radio Club and enjoyed participating in club activities such as Field Day, attending local conventions, and helping fellow hams. Through his radio expertise, he served his community in emergency preparedness training and communications support during natural disasters such as our recent flood. Larry was also a trained storm spotter. He and Sharon served as volunteer National Weather Service observers for over 30 years and were members of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 200.
In addition to his love of amateur radio, Larry's other great passion was music. He played guitar in several bands throughout the decades, including the Comets, British Invasion, Yesterday and Today, and Fever and the Funkhouse. Playing for family and friends at local venues was one of the great joys of his life. Fans will remember his bass solos in songs like "Brown Eyed Girl," his cool rendition of "Hey, Bartender," and his sincere appreciation for the people who came out to his shows to dance, sing along, and enjoy live music together.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Dorthey Martens, his sister, Sherry Garfield, and his brother, Ranny Martens.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon Martens, his daughter Susan Martens, his daughter Sandi Proskovec (Jim), his son, Steve Martens (Stacy), grandchildren William, Henry, and Samuel Martens and Lexi, Renae, and Katie Proskovec and sister Eloise Livermore.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 4 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont, with burial to follow at Memorial Cemetery (casual attire encouraged). Chaplain Scott Jensen will officiate. Memorials may be directed to the Fremont Public Schools Foundation.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(10)
Lexi Proskovec
Fremont, NE Monday, May 6, 2019 Some of my favorite memories with Grandpa Larry are jam sessions in the basement everytime we all got together, figuring out the new technology in his new truck, taking dinner over to eat after he called into the net, and scooter rides around the neighborhood.Grandpa will be missed very, very much but always loved greatly.
Russ DeLong
Palm Desert, CA Sunday, May 5, 2019 Sharon and Family,My sincerest sympathies to you. I knew Larry for many years and we shared the love of code. Fond memories of talking to each other with our bugs and contesting. He will certainly be missed by PARC and everyone that knew him. RIP Larry.
de AJ0I
L. Verner
Fremont, NE Saturday, May 4, 2019 So sorry for your loss Sharon.....thinking of you all!!!! Sending love!!!!!Lashara Verner
Eileen Thornburg
Fremont, NE Thursday, May 2, 2019 Dear Sharon & family,We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May you share all the special memories to help you smile.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Eileen & Bob Thornburg
June Westphal
Fremont, NE Thursday, May 2, 2019 Sharon I am so sorry to read about Larry. Prayers to you and your family.Tim Kresky
Beloit, KS Wednesday, May 1, 2019 So very sorry to hear of Larry's passing. Far too soon.I too knew Larry through his ham radio hobby. We shared a love for Morse code operating. Last time I saw him face to face a few years ago, I was on top of his tower doing a repair.
RIP OM
K0SW de AB0S SK
Joel Bahl
Tampa, FL Wednesday, May 1, 2019 Blessings to Larry's family, I used to talk to him on the Ham radio quite often, great guy.Bruce Frahm KØBJ
Colby, KS Wednesday, May 1, 2019 I've known Larry a long time.... had an aunt and uncle from Fremont. Nice to have an eyeball QSO when we operated the PARC station in Sweepstakes a few years ago. We had great fun recalling The Links band that used to play in Fremont. 73 OM QRT de K0BJMike Osterberg
Kearney, NE Wednesday, May 1, 2019 My heartfelt condolences to the Martens family. I met Larry through ham radio 40 years ago and he was such a gentleman on the air and off. We shared the knack for high-speed Morse Code and he was one of the best!Pioneer ARC, you lost a very fine code man. He will indeed be missed. 73.
Mike Osterberg KØVZ
Kearney NE
Linda J Betkie
FREMONT, NE Wednesday, May 1, 2019 Dear Sharon and family,We're so sorry to hear of your loss. May your memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Our deepest sympathy,
Bob and Linda Betkie