Greg Martens

Gregory John Martens was born on October 16, 1951, to John "Johnny" and JoAnn (Hennager) Martens, Jr. in Pipestone, Minnesota. He attended school at the Pipestone High School, graduating in 1970. In 1969, while still in high school, he worked as a mechanic for L & L Motors and helped his dad in his junk yard. Greg was drafted into the United States Army in 1971, but self-enlisted into the United States Navy. He served in Vietnam as a Seaman Recruit and was honorably discharged in 1974. On June 21, 1975, Greg was united in marriage to the love of his life, Jacqueline Brady, at the United Methodist Church in Pipestone. This marriage was blessed with the birth of their two children, John and Melissa. In 1985, he became employed at Morrels as a production leader until 1991. Following his time at Morrels, Greg became a full-time trapper. Greg passed away peacefully on Friday, October 17, 2025, while under the care of Pipestone County Hospice, at the age of 74 years and one day.

As a child, Greg enjoyed trapping, hunting, and fishing with his dad. His love for the outdoors started at a young age and only continued to grow as he got older. One of his favorite memories was a trip to Montana with his dad when he was only 9 years old (and was supposed to be 16!). He spent countless hours outside and found comfort in the outdoors. Throughout his life, he enjoyed playing the harmonica, a skill not many people knew he had. When he wasn’t outside, Greg thoroughly enjoyed attending the grandkids sporting events and supporting them at their programs.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Jacqueline Martens of Pipestone, Minnesota; two children, John (Nicole) Martens and Melissa Burnett, both of Pipestone; ten grandchildren, Hunter (Madi) Burnett, Angel (Jake) Martens, Taya Burnett, Noelle Martens, Jacey Burnett, JJ (AJ) Martens, Hudson Burnett, Jocelyn Burnett, Cody Martens, and Titan Burnett; and three siblings, Pat Christoffels of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Douglas (Claire) Martens of Pipestone, and Virginia (Brett) Olberding of Pipestone. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and JoAnn; his grandparents; mother-in-law, Cynthia Brady; and two brothers-in-law, Dwayne Christoffels and Tim Brady.