MARJORIE A. MARTENS, 88

Upon graduating from East High School in Madison in 1946, she attended beauty school, followed by working at a hair salon. Marge married Alvin H. Hamburg on Sept. 25, 1949. She then became a homemaker and raised her three children but continued using her styling skills by working from home.

Marge was always creative and loved working with flowers which she always had around her at home, inside and out. In addition to her beautiful gardens, she was talented at creating both real and silk floral designs and worked for a period of time doing flower arrangements and bouquets for several weddings at shops in Rockton and Beloit.

Marge also created many beautiful centerpieces for her son David’s (wife Karin’s) retirement party several years ago. Three years after Al’s death in 1988, she married Rev. Robert J. Martens on Dec. 21, 1991. He preceded her in death on June 11, 2003.

She was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church, volunteering with Bible classes and church crafts. Her faith was always a major part of her life, and she performed in the church choir for many years. Singing for the adoration of Jesus was one of her passions. For many years, you could find her in the church kitchen as well, helping during church events. In addition, Marge enjoyed entertaining, playing cards and making the most wonderful pies (from scratch, of course). She will be remembered as a very talented seamstress and enjoyed tatting & knitting.

Marge is survived by her sister, Virginia Ulrich of Windsor, Wis.; three children, Don (Cathy) Hamburg of Augusta, Ga., Dave (Karin) Hamburg of Bettendorf, Iowa; and Sheryll (Tim) Sager of South Beloit, Ill.; five stepchildren, Mary (Larry) Stein of Brookfield, Wis.; Susan (Donald) Paddock of Muskego, Wis.; Rev. Barbara Martens of Denver, Co.; Patricia Martens of Denver, Co.; and Jeannine (Rick) Mortell of Denver, Co.; six grandchildren, Sonya (Rob) Jones; Matthew Hamburg; Erin Hamburg; Alla Hamburg; Chris (Deb) Sager and Joe Sager; 11 step-grandchildren, two great grandchildren, Savannah and Stella Jones; and six step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, both her husbands and her step-son Timothy Martens.

Marge’s Funeral Service was at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17 in Messiah Lutheran Church, 1531 Townline Avenue, Beloit, Wis. with Rev. Dan Eddy officiating. Friends were received on Friday in the church from 4 to 6 p.m. and again on Saturday in the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Interment will follow the service in the Rockton Cemetery. Gifts expressing love for Marge may be given in her memory to Messiah Lutheran Church, Choir & Music Dept.  Please share a memory or a condolence with the family on our website www.brianmarkfh.com.

Brian G. Mark Funeral Homes, 1000 Inman Parkway, Beloit, WI 53511

Phone: 608-362-2000

Marjorie A. Martens, 88