Duane Martins
Duane H. J. Martins, 88, of Waukon, formerly of Luana, passed away after a brief illness Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Northgate Care Center in Waukon. Memorial services were held Saturday, September 5 at Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon with Pastor Daryl Schultz officiating. The service was live streamed on the funeral home’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/martinfunerals.
Duane Harvey John Martins was born December 5, 1937, in Postville at the old Postville Hospital. He was the last of eight kids born to Leska and Alta (Brandtman) Martins. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Luana. He attended the Grand Meadow #3 Country School (aka Pixler School) in Grand Meadow Township from kindergarten through eighth grade, even having his older sister as a teacher one year! He attended Luana High School for one year until the school district consolidated and the boundaries were redrawn; Duane then attended Postville High School, where he graduated with the Class of 1956.
Duane was drafted by the U.S. Army in 1960, serving stateside and trained as a medic; he was honorably discharged in 1962. Returning home, Duane farmed with his father and later took over the farming operation. He farmed his entire career raising crops, beef cattle, and hogs. He retired from farming in 1997, when he moved to Waukon with his wife to her family’s home farm. His “retirement” was spent working as a seasonal employee for the Waukon Feed Ranch until 2020.
Duane was united in marriage to Marlys Nolting March 2, 1974, and together they had three children. They were married for 52 years until Marlys’ passing March 15, 2026.
Duane’s favorite pastimes included watching his beloved Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball games, going to local farm auctions, taking leisurely country drives to check out the crops, sitting on the front porch watching everyone drive by, sneaking a sweet treat (or two) into the house to snack on, and enjoying a Miller High Life once in a great while. Duane was a Chevrolet and John Deere guy and was never seen driving anything but that!
He is survived by his three children: Lisa Martins of Plano, TX, Lynne Martins of Prairie du Chien, WI, and Lonnie (Elise) Martins of Luana; four grandchildren: Tristan (Megan) Martins of Lancaster, WI, Kelleigh Martins of Cascade, Claire Martins of Iowa City, and Tyler Martins of Prairie du Chien, WI; two great-grandchildren, Sadie and Callum of Lancaster, WI; two sisters, Darlene Nuehring of Postville and Della Cowell of Luana; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents Leska and Alta Martins; four brothers: Delbert Martins (wife Donna), Delos Martins (wife Donna Mae), Donald Martins (wife Mary), and Delmar Martins (in infancy); his sister Delores Larson (husband Harry); his brothers-in-law: Leroy Nolting, Leon Nolting (wife Anne), and Eldred Nuehring; and two nephews, Dwight Cowell and David Larson.
The family would like to thank all of Duane’s caregivers over the past few months including those at Veterans Memorial Hospital and Clinic, Southcrest Assisted Living, and Northgate Care Center. A special thanks to Lori Hackman and Lyle and Annette Stock for all their help and support in watching over Duane these last few months, allowing him to stay at home as long as possible!
Honorary bearers were Tristan, Kelleigh, Claire, and Tyler Martins.
Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
