Martin Roby

1936 - 2026

It is with tremendous love and sadness that the family of Martin Vernon Roby, 89, announce his passing on January 14, 2026. He was born on September 30, 1936, to Vernon Alden Roby and Carrie Merle (Bice) Roby in Woodward, Iowa. He was raised with his siblings Carroll and Nancy on the family farm.

He served 22 months in the Army where he was assigned to the 2nd Armored Rifle Battalion of the 51st Infantry Regiment, starting in 1958.

He then met and married the love of his life, Janice H. Jensen, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and they raised three beautiful children together. Martin worked as a machinist and Foreman at Metro Machine in Eden Prairie before they moved the family to an Iowa farm, eventually moving to the farm his parents ran. After being in Iowa for 15 years, Martin returned to Metro Machine and continued working there until retiring (several times).

Martin loved remodeling their homes, deer hunting, and woodworking.

Martin and Janice lived in many locations starting in Minneapolis, MN; Stacyvillle, IA; McIntire, IA; Carver, MN; Chaska, MN; Howard Lake, MN; and Mora, MN. When Janice passed away, Martin moved to Texas for awhile and then to Florida to be with his sister, Nancy.

He is survived by his sister, Nancy (Mark) Volrath; two children, Patricia (Brian) Roby, and Jeff (Kitsamai) Roby; 3 grandchildren, Kevin (Heather) Roby, Carrie (Tyler) Pramann, and Joseph (Stephanie) Pramann; and 4 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Janice Roby; his sibling, Carroll; and daughter, Ruthanna Mielke.

No visitation or funeral services will be held. A graveside service will be held at a later date. He will be forever in our hearts.