Robert F. Martens

Robert F. “Bob” Martens, 84 of Watertown, passed away on November 28, 2024, at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center of Johnson Creek.

Bob was born on September 9, 1940, in Milwaukee, the son of Dr. Earl and Viola (Adler) Martens. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves and was a 1964 graduate of Milton College. On August 27, 1966, Bob married Gretchen Fenner, and the two shared 58 happy years together. 

Bob and Gretchen raised their family in DeKalb, IL, where Bob worked at Northern Illinois University for 35 years in financial administration, proudly served on the state’s Employee Advisory Committee, and was an active member of Immanual Lutheran Church.

Friends and family will remember Bob as a wonderful storyteller and lifelong outdoorsman who loved to share his experiences. 

After retiring from NIU, Bob and Gretchen moved to Watertown, where Bob was an active part of the community, involved with multiple clubs, charitable organizations, and sharing God’s love as a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Many around town would come to know Bob’s highly social spirit, and it was here that Bob found his next calling in life as “Santa Bob.” 

Sharing the magic of Christmas and bringing seasonal joy, if not renewed belief, to the community as THE red-suited jolly old elf himself, was one of the most important parts of his later life. It meant the world to Bob to be able to wish so many, “Merry Christmas, and to all a good night!”

Bob is survived by his loving wife Gretchen, by his sons Daniel (Laura) Martens, Jeffrey (Kathleen) Martens, Ph.D., and David (Tania) Martens, by his grandchildren Jacob (Vanessa) Campitelli, Thomas Martens, Grant and Charlie Glufling, and Cora and Nolan Martens, by his great-grandson Atticus, and by his brother Dr. William Martens.

If desired, memorials in Bob’s name can be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or to a charity of one’s choice.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Watertown, with Rev. Aaron Reseburg presiding; Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM. Bob will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery at a later date.