Nan Janice Martin, age 76, of Northwood, Iowa, was diagnosed with a blood disease and for 10 years courageously fought the many challenges of her health. With dignity, she went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2003, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

A celebration of Nan’s life will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood. The Rev. Paul Holmer will officiate. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. today at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood.

Nan at the family home west of Northwood, to Otis and Geneva Nelson on May 8, 1927. She attended grade school in Grove 3 and graduated from Northwood High School in 1945. She was confirmed at North Shell Rock Church on April 27, 1941.

She married Don Martin on July 17, 1946, and together they raised three children: Nancy Hengesteg of Northwood, and Dan and Ron Martin, both of Fort Collins, Colo.

Nan worked for the Extension Service, Worth County Fair Board, Worth County Selective Service, the County Auditor, County Attorney, and 20 years in the office of Dr. Hal Johnson, as well as many years helping Don with his construction business.

Nan was a long time active member of First Lutheran Church in Northwood, serving on the church council in various offices, a member of Judith Circle, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, volunteering in community organizations such as Cub Scouts, brownies, the Viking Manor board, TUNE, and school functions. She received the Citizen of the Year Award in 1990, and the TUNE Appreciation Award in 2003.

Nan enjoyed life. As a young girl, she was involved in 4-H and felt that was an inspiration for her love of her country and service to fellow man. She enjoyed snowmobiling and sailing with Don and friends, woodworking, watching birds, musical programs, community events, trips to Forestville with Nancy and Gary, watching the horses, dogs and deer from the kitchen window on the farm, visiting with her many friends and family members., her children and grandchildren.

She will be remembered and missed by her children: Nancy and Gary Hengesteg, Dan and Sandi Martin, and Ron and Lyn Martin; grandchildren: Randy and Kim of Northwood, Sonja of Minneapolis, Benji, Angie, Ryan and Mason of Fort Collins, and Danielle of Albuquerque, N.M.; great-grandchildren: Scott Thomas, Carly Jo and Elexis Nan; a brother, Glenn and Claire Nelson of Pennsylvania; sister-in-law, Rita Martin of Des Moines, Iowa; sister-in-law, Anita and Vic Monus of Calgary, Canada; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to Marle and Louise, Judy, Marlys, Sharon, Merle and Ruth, and many others for their love, support and care of our mother.

Preceding Nan in death are her husband, parents and in-laws.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church in Northwood and Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.