In Memory of Linda Martin

Linda Martin, age 60, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center of Omaha, Nebraska.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 20, 2025, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa. Jared Phillips-Zobel will officiate. Committal will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery of Battle Creek, Iowa.

A Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Linda Kay Martin, age 60, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Monday, October 13, 2025, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

Born on October 25, 1964, in Ida Grove to Lloyd and Florence Martin, Linda spent her childhood on the family farm, where she developed a lifelong love of animals and the outdoors. She learned to ride horses at a young age and was often seen riding her horse, Beauty. One of her favorite pastimes was accompanying her father to the sale barn—a tradition she cherished and continued throughout her life.

After graduating from Ida Grove High School, Linda pursued studies in Accounting at Western Iowa Tech Community College in Sioux City. She returned to Ida Grove following college and began working at Ida Bowl as a bartender, where she formed many lasting friendships. Over the years, Linda held positions at Midwest Industries and Ida County Farm Service Agency before joining GOMACO Corporation, where she dedicated 21 years of service.

Linda had many interests and hobbies. She enjoyed life on the farm, raising chickens and sheep for many years. She loved dancing, especially to polka music. Linda also enjoyed golf, bowling, playing cards, and watching sports, particularly basketball and football. She also loved going to concerts and spending time with family and friends. She will be remembered for her laughter and often inappropriate sense of humor.

She is survived by her brother Kenneth (Debra) Martin of Lacona, IA; brother Randall (Penny) Martin of Schleswig, IA; sister Karen Widman of Storm Lake, IA; sister-in-law Sharon Krambeck of Ida Grove, IA; special friends Linda (Mike Klein) Kepford, Neil (Kim Farley) Schumacher, Dale (Brenda Wienert) Schumacher, Jan (Vern) Wunschel, and Ann (Brad Larkin) Schumacher; along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family. 

Linda was preceded in death by her parents Lloyd and Florence Martin; her brother Ralph Martin; grandparents Charles and Neva Martin and Henry and Milda Boock; brother-in-law Gary Widman; and her special friend Jimmy Schumacher.