Phoebe E. Martens

Phoebe E. Martens, 89, of South Range, WI, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024, with loving family by her side, at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, MN. She was born the oldest of seven in Iron River, WI on February 6, 1935, the daughter of Thomas F. and Elsie D. (Gemmill) Savage.

Phoebe graduated in the class of 1953 from the former Iron River High School. She then attended and worked at the University of Wisconsin Superior, studying music in her early years and then later in life returning to work as an administrative assistant in the Sociology and History departments for over twenty-five years.

A successful independent business owner, she and her family managed and operated Martens' Dairy in Cornucopia from 1961 to 1968, one of the largest producers of cheese in the area. Phoebe and her family further continued that success by operating the South Shore Motel from 1969 to 1978.

Active in her early years at St. Michael Catholic Church in Iron River and a long-time member at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cornucopia as well as Country Peace Church in South Range, Phoebe was dedicated to all three, playing the organ for Sunday services at Immanuel for over 35 years and at Country Peace for 10.

She loved sharing the gift of music in all its forms, volunteering to play the piano or her Hammond organ at Supper Clubs and a broad variety of social events both public and private throughout the South Shore area. Phoebe participated as well in the Superior Singer Choir, Ragtime Society, Chequamegon Area Choir, and the Cornucopia Barbershop group “The Shore of Four.” She was also a longtime piano educator teaching from her home and at secondary schools throughout the Northern Wisconsin region.

A voracious reader in her free time, Phoebe was forever cozied up with a good book covering a vast array of topics. History and genealogy were favorites, especially anything related to Ireland and her deep connection to its lore, music, and her family history there.

A dedicated mother to five, grandmother to seven, great-grandmother to twelve, and sister to six siblings, Phoebe is survived by her daughter Molly (Amanda) Martens, South Range, WI; sons Joel Martens, San Diego, CA; Tim (Janet) Martens, Brule, WI; Jeff Martens, Fergus Falls, ND; and Hans (Vicki) Martens, Andover, MN; her grandchildren Talia Martens, Brule, Morgan Martens, Brule, Jesse (Liz) Martens, Minneapolis, MN, Britta (Andrew) Anderson, Minneapolis, Emily (Alex Rehn) Martens, Maple Lake, MN, Stefan (Casia) Martens, Salem, NH, and Linnea (Matt) Massoglia, Minneapolis; and 12 great-grandchildren, the number of which she was endlessly proud of. Her surviving siblings include brother Pat Savage, Brule, WI; sisters Lynda Savage, Neenah, WI; Bernadette Savage, Duluth, MN; and Mike Savage of Brule. She is preceded in death by her parents Elsie D. and Thomas F. as well as brother Thomas Savage, Jr. sister Joyce (Bonnie) Savage, granddaughter Alissa Martens, and grandson Caleb Martens.

Phoebe was a force of nature and will be dearly missed by her family and all who knew her.

Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at St. Michael Cemetery in Iron River, followed by a luncheon and Celebration of Phoebe’s Life at 2:00 PM at the Iron River Community Center, 8275 E. Mill Road. There will be a eulogy celebrating Phoebe’s faith and life with music, including a chance for her family and friends to share memories, thoughts, and the music that she loved so much.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street in Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send flowers, leave a condolence message, or sign Phoebe’s guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.