Private family services will be held. Private burial will be in Hartsburg-Union Cemetery at a later date.
Roberta J. Marten was born on June 26, 1949, the third child of Harold H. and Mabel H. Eeten Marten. They preceded her in death in 1984 and 2014, respectively. She was also preceded in death by both sets of maternal and paternal grandparents, one brother, Dwayne Marten; sister-in-law Joni Marten; and a close cousin, Shirley Marten of Indiana.
Bert is survived by her significant other and life partner Bob “Dune” Devine, being together since May 17, 1980; older sister Doris (Ken) Klokkenga of Delavan, younger twin brother Roger (Carolyn) Marten of Lincoln, younger brother Vernon Marten of Wentzville, Mo., younger sister Carol Marten of Lincoln, and younger brother Galen Marten of Lincoln. Also surviving are 10 nieces and 3 nephews, several great-nieces and great-nephews, and several great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, as well as a bunch of cousins and friends.
Bert was a 1967 graduate of Hartsburg- Emden High School, holding several class offices as well as club offices. She also was the recipient of the John Phillip Sousa music award as a senior at Hartem. She acquired a Small Business Management Certificate from Heartland Community College in 1998.
Bert worked in the accounting field for all of her working years. She was a bookkeeper at State Bank for one and one-half years (1967-69), then went to Lehn & Fink as their Accounts Payable / Receivable head until 1996 when they closed, being there for 27 years. She spent a short time at Abbott & Phillips as an auditor’s assistant, and then went to Nestle in Normal as their payroll associate. Bert retired from there in 2015 after 17 years of service. Bert also spent several years as a tax preparer for seniors at the Oasis Senior Center. She enjoyed these seniors, being able to talk with them and learning things from them. The old saying “your never too old to learn!”
Bert was a member of the Eagles Auxiliary since 1980 and served as auditor for several years. She was very supportive of their projects, especially for child abuse. Bert enjoyed reading, cooking, baking and playing the slots. Her seasoned pretzels and pumpkin bars and sausage/egg casserole were a big hit at any of the Eagle celebrations, as well as her office associates.
Nine times out of ten Bert had a smile on her face and was always ready to give a comical reply to any conversation she was having with anyone. She loved to make people laugh and would help them look on the bright side of any situation.
She will be missed by all she is leaving behind. Her younger brothers Roger and Galen will have to find someone else to pick on now!
In lieu of flowers, Bert requests memorials be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Emden or Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Peasley Funeral Home of Lincoln is assisting the family with arrangements.
