Joseph L. Marten, 81, of Litchfield, died peacefully on Friday, Aug. 5, 2022, at 3:35 a.m. at Heritage Health: Therapy and Senior Care in Gillespie.
Visitation will be held Friday, Aug. 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Litchfield Family Funeral Service. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, Aug. 13, beginning at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Litchfield with the Rev. Dan Willenborg officiating.
Mr. Marten was born Sept. 8, 1940, in Litchfield, to Francis J. and Anna Ruth (Bohler) Marten. He married Barbara Baker on July 25, 1964, and they recently celebrated 58 years of marriage. She survives.
A Raymond native, he graduated from Raymond High School with the class of 1958.
Mr. Marten and his wife raised four children on their farm north of Litchfield. He began his career in farming as a little boy, milking cows on his dad’s farm, before he was even big enough to carry the milk bucket. He raised grain and livestock and loved everything related to farming.
He also drove a school bus and was the state of Illinois school bus driving champion in 1975. He later drove tour buses professionally, traveling throughout the United States, in addition to working his farm.
Mr. Marten was the Raymond FFA president and attained the honor of American Farmer. He was a 4-H leader for his children and neighbors, and founded the Country Cavaliers 4-H Club. He served on the Litchfield School Board as president for two years. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
He loved farming, tractor pulls, the New York Yankees and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was happiest on his farm, surrounded by his family, neighbors and friends.
In addition to his devoted wife, Mr. Marten is survived by children, Elaine (Jim) Pudlowski, Patty (David Husman) Hudson, Christopher (Stacey) and Matthew (fiancee Melanie Lawrence) Marten; brothers, Anthony (Paulette) Marten, Raymond (Debbie) Marten and Carl (Marlene) Marten; sister, Jane (Larry) Hockett; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, and brother-in-law Loretta and Mick Ludek; and brothers and sisters-in-law, John (Judy) and Lee (Mary) Marten.
Memorials may be directed to the Knights of Columbus.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.litchfieldffs.com.
