She went to her eternal home in heaven on Wednesday, May 15, just four days shy of her 86th birthday.

Funeral arrangements are being handled through Minnesota Valley Funeral Home of New Ulm.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 19, 4-7 pm at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home, New Ulm (north location) and from 10 -11am at Hosanna Lutheran Church, Mankato. Funeral services will be at 11am, Hosanna Lutheran Church, Mankato. There will be a private burial service at the Hebron Cemetery, Judson, following the funeral luncheon on Monday, May 19.

Carol grew up in Lafayette and graduated from St. Peter High School. She went on to earn her LPN degree from the Chas. T. Miller School of Practical Nursing in St. Paul. Carol married her high school sweetheart, Robert (“Doc”) Martens in 1953. She worked full-time as a nurse in St. Paul until her husband graduated from the University of Minnesota Veterinary School in 1956. Soon after, they moved back to their hometown area, setting up a house in Nicollet complete with an office/clinic for the veterinary practice.

Carol is survived by her husband, Dr. R. A. Martens, sons: Rob, Richmond, VA; Dave (Cindy), Menahga; Dan (Sue) Hudson, WI and John, Spicer; 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Carol was her husband’s office assistant for 15 years while they built the veterinary practice in their home. She set up appointments, responded to calls (keeping “Doc” informed through the two-way radio), assisted with surgeries and other medical services, and managed the books for the growing practice. In addition, she raised four healthy, active sons keeping up with their school and sports activities.

When the veterinary practice moved into a new and larger location, Carol’s role changed from being a busy mother, homemaker and office assistant to new interests. She especially enjoyed gardening. Her beautiful backyard gardens were a sight to behold! Carol did volunteer work at the hospital in Mankato, joined the YMCA for exercising and swimming, participated in bowling leagues and travelled with her husband all over the world! She was an active member of Our Saviors Luther Church in Mankato as a member of the women’s group (LWML) and the bell choir. Carol was especially fond of her volunteer work through V.I.N.E. (Volunteer Interfaith Network Effort) in Mankato. Carol was a faithful member of a community prayer group for more than forty years. She was filled with compassion for humans, animals, and nature.

After retirement, Carol and “Doc” moved to Lake Washington, during the spring and summer months then wintered in Naples, Fl where they enjoyed the warm sunshine of the south and making many new friends. Upon the decline of their health, they moved back to Minnesota permanently. They enjoyed living in Mankato and being members of Hosanna Lutheran Church. Most recently, Carol and “Doc” lived in Fairmont (nearer to family and healthcare) in an assisted living facility. Carol enjoyed meeting new friends at Goldfinch, participating in tai chi and attending social events. Most of all, she loved being visited by family and friends.

Memorials will be given in her honor to V.I.N.E. of Mankato.

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