Ronnie Martensen

It is with deep sorrow and sadness that we announce the passing of Ronnie Lee Martensen, age 77, January 18th 2023.  Ronnie was born to Elmer E and Audrey M (Smith) Martensen, on October 27th 1945 in Lake Wilson, Minnesota.  He was the youngest of 3 sons.

After graduating high school in 1963, Ronnie enlisted in the United States Army where he served time in Vietnam and Germany.  When Ronnie completed his enlistment with the U.S. Army, he reenlisted with the U.S. Air Force serving in Korea and England.  Keeping with his Information and Communication background he served as Information Systems Superintendent and Info Systems Ops Supervisor. Ronnie finished out 23 years of Military Service and then joined the Foreign State Department.

It was during his time with the Air Force, serving in England, when he met his soulmate and love of his life, Sheila Violet White.  When Ronnie asked Sheila for her hand in marriage, January 12th 1972, he chose to be the best father Sheila’s five children could ever have.

Ronnie brought his new family from England to Minnesota, USA.  They stayed there for two years before coming to Utah.  Ronnie was stationed at Hill Air Force Base as 1st Sergeant for Test Squadron and two years later was transferred to Hawaii for four years, then spent two years in Oklahoma.  It was with the Foreign Service that he spent time in Rome, Yemen, Germany, Tbilisi, Kathmandu, Geneva and Virginia, retiring in 2005.

Ronnie and Sheila loved adventure and relocated several times.  Making their home in Portland TN, Franklin ID, Pleasant View UT, Blackfoot ID, Providence Ut, and finally Mesquite NV.

Ronnie loved fishing, hunting, baseball and Bowling, spending time with friends and traveling, but most of all he loved his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Elmer and Audrey, older brothers; James and Larry Martensen. He is survived by his wife; Sheila, son; Gary (Sandi) Martensen, daughter; Josie (James) Tate, son; Kevin (Kathy) Martensen, daughter; Samantha (Jay) Moore, son; Ronnie Jr (Merryl) Martensen, seven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

Ron, Dad, our lives are better because we knew you. We will miss you!

“Angels are among us, when you find them, cherish their presence everyday.” - Unknown