Elmer Lawrence Marting

MONONA – Elmer Lawrence Marting, 88, of Monona, passed away February 16, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family. 

A memorial service to honor Elmer will be held March 22, with visitation at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 401 South Egbert Street, Monona.

Elmer Marting was born on Groundhog Day, February  2, 1937, at the Postville Hospital to Elmer F. and Helen (Schmitt) Marting. Junior, as he was known, grew up on the family farm south of Luana, attending grade school at Luana. He transferred to the Postville school system, participating in football, chorus, band (cornet), and FFA, graduating with the class of 1955.

At the age of 16, he received his Ham Radio License (W0SFK: Sierra Foxtrot Kilo or Sweet Fat Kissable.) After high school, he served honorably in the U.S. Army Signal Corp, stationed on the east coast as a radar technician. Upon returning to Iowa and the family farm, his interest in electronics grew to where he gave up farming and started his business of Elmer’s Radio/TV and Hobby Supplies. Elmer also sold advertising specialties for Newton Manufacturing. His talent for sales and communications lead to his co-ownership in RACOM.

For recreation, he obtained his pilot’s license, owning several aircraft (gyrocopter, helicopter, airplanes), even rebuilding his Taylorcraft. He was instrumental in helping to start the Monona Airport. where he enjoyed participating in the annual Fly In breakfast. He was an active member and leader of many civic and community service organizations (Kiwanis, Jaycees, Experimental Aircraft Association, Amvets, St. Paul Lutheran Church Bell Choir). He served as president of the Monona Historical Museum which houses the “World’s Largest Known Collection of Hand Carved Chains” that were created by his father. Elmer did various forms of woodcarving with chip carving being his favorite. The Monona Woodcarvers were formed and continue to meet at the Monona Historical Museum.

On June 28, 1959 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona, he was united in marriage to Carol Yvonne Heins, who survives him. He is also survived by their children: Lori Huelskamp, Overland Park, Kansas; Lynn (Jim) Olson, Gunder; Leanne (Jeff) O’Brien, Cedar Rapids and Larry (Amy Bissonett) Marting, Elko New Market, Minnesota. He has four grandchildren, Lexie (Bob) Brockman, Overland Park, Kansas; Daniel Huelskamp, Overland Park, Kansas; Eryn (Johnny) Lemke, Huntersville, North Carolina; Emily (Conor) Salvino, Hinsdale, Illinois and four great grandchildren, Gabrielle and Gage Brockman, Aidan and Caroline Lemke. Siblings: Robert (Tehling Chao) Marting, California; Dick (Diane Kezios) Marting, Round Lake, Illinois; Elsie Lynne Lawrence, Sac City, Wisconsin, and Barb (Stan) Corbin, Wadena.

Elmer loved talking with everyone he met and getting to know the people around him. He had an unwavering commitment to forging connections and spreading kindness. This will never personify all of the amazing work, time, and love he was able to give his family, faith, friends, and community.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Monona Historical Museum or St. Paul Lutheran Church.