David L Martenson

David Martenson, age 89, of Mesa, AZ, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 4, 2024 with his fiancé, Beth Charter, and daughter, Jennifer (Binger) Pace by his side.

Dave was born on November 20, 1934 to Louis and Loretta Martenson in Rockford, IL. After Dave graduated from East High School in 1952, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Millikin University in Decatur, IL. and then earned a scholarship to the University of Chicago Law School to complete his law degree. At Millikin he was active with the Young Republicans and played on the tennis team.

After graduating with his Doctor of Law degree, he joined John B. Anderson's law firm in Rockford and after several years he formed his own law firm with Jim Donahue, which was the beginning of a long, successful career, which eventually included other partners, Peter Alexander and Brent Blair.

For those that knew Dave, he had an absolute thirst for life. His favorite places to travel were France, where he would spend 3-4 weeks each year; Vail, CO where he taught his children to ski; Dana Point, CA and Wrigley Field where he finally got to see his beloved Cubs win a World Series after many frustrating years as a loyal fan. Door County was among his top places to visit for rest, relaxation and frozen custard.

Although Dave was busy with his law practice and family, he always had a hobby to keep himself energized. I'm sure many of his friends and family had a bottle or two of his homemade wine, which was probably best used in cooking versus drinking by the glass. Passion doesn't equal skill, but he put his love and energy into every bottle!

Dave also had an entrepreneurial side to him and started up a chinchilla business in his basement, which soon scaled up by moving into a barn he rented on the outskirts of Rockford. For those who know how this story ends, suffice it to say that he probably should have selected a different plumber to put in a non-toxic watering system!

Another great passion of Dave's was golfing at the various country clubs to which he belonged over the years (Mauh-Nah-Tee-See CC, Forest Hills and Mesa CC). And his favorite golf outing was his two trips to Scotland in 2006 and 2008 with his brothers, Tom and Stan.

Not to be forgotten was his passion for fishing and he spent many days on Lake Michigan, Lake Erie and various lakes in Wisconsin and Canada, often catching his limit.

Dave was predeceased by the love of his life, Penny who left us far too soon. He is survived by his brothers Tom (Kirsten) Martenson, Stan (Pat) Martenson, his children Scott (Anne) Martenson, Brian Martenson, Jennifer (Rob) Pace and Kari Martenson; eight grandchildren, Ashley Gilmore, Carly (Anish) Tailor, Rachel (Scott) Klein, Alexander Martenson, Erik Martenson, Zachary Martenson, Alexandria Pace, Korinna Pace and his fiancé, Beth Charter.

No funeral or memorial service is immediately planned. The family will notify loved ones in the future if a service is scheduled. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, an organization about which Dave felt strongly.