Martin Marty

In 1990, it was my first quarter of college and my first theology class, and the very first theology book I ever read was, "Pilgrims in Their Own Land", by Rev. Martin Marty. What better introduction to theology could there be? Theology isn't just about memorizing biblical passages, but involves seeing Christianity with all it's imperfections and still feeling afterwards that we are actually empowered and all the more better off knowing the truth about the origins our faith and the similarities we have with other non-Christian faiths. Dr. Marty promoted the belief that learning what we can about other faiths in no way diminishes the Christian faith, but rather strengthens and confirms the shared values and love that other faiths also have for God. Pastor Marty's book gifted me with a love and curiosity for religious education which had been missing from my life until then. I still own that book and continue to carry with me a deeper appreciation for theology, knowing my life was truly changed and enriched for having learned from such an exceptional author and pastor as Martin Marty. May Rev. Marty bask in God's love for an eternity.

Thanks be to God for Martin! Rest in God's eternal light, peace & grace +
Rev. Charley Lopez, Jr

As a Catholic, it was a singular blessing to have joined St. Luke´s Bible Study classes while Marty and Harriet were there. He was literally the soul of alert attention, as was she, but both rarely spoke. Still, we all got to know them well... a precious gift. Wonderful; his scholarship, attention, kind humor... her receptivity, practicality, kind humor...and for both, faith as a given. ...Unforgettable.

Dr Marty was one of a kind, the best kind. He and Harriet were my Bible class friends, as I proudly pointed out to anybody who'd listen. In my zeal to discover somebody who would not fit into his enigmatic "all," I discovered a great deal about my own judgemental self. I have to tell you, he's a smart fellow. I'm going to really miss him.

Yesterday's service was beautiful. PHILIPPIANS 2 passage remindered me so much of Marty's humility and servanthood, how he spent time with me at his home in Riverside when I had just experienced a deep disappointment. He didn't lecture me or even qote Scripture. He just asked, "What do you think God wants you to do?". Gratefully, Carolyn Cammenga

Remembering all the beginnings in the new Village of Elk Grove so long ago. Dr Marty was a strong voice in shaping its direction.

Our sympathies to Harriet and my cousins! So many accolades for him. For us it was simply an honor and joy to just call him "Uncle Marty"! Mark and Roz

Dear Micah and Harriet and Family,
Our sincere condolences on the passing of your father and husband. Dr. Marty was "one of a kind." We are blessed to have known him. We miss you in the Hancock, Harriet. With Sincere Sympathy and Love, Meg Nagel and Ed Van

I am writing as a member of Harriet Koenig Marty's family. We all send our love and our sympathy to her and all the Marty family. My mother was a first cousin to Harriet...Ruth Dietz Wedel. When Harriet married Marty we were all so happy for her and were happy and proud to welcome him as part a part of our extended family. There is a whole group of cousins and legions of others welcoming him to heaven. And for that we give thanks. Please extend our love and sympathy to Harriet and Ursula and all.

All of the impact that you made worldwide can't compare to the impact you made on your family and close friends. At a simple family meal at Fran and Wes's house you made a point to include grade schooler, Chantal, in the dinner conversation and gave her center stage. Her opinions, interests and plans were important to you and it was a lesson for me in parenting. Let the children reign from time to time. Chantal, Nancy and I mourn the passing of "Uncle Marty" and will always celebrate that you were a part of our lives.

Professor Marty was an unrepeatable act in the drama of modern religion and the study of that drama. Melanchthon's words at Luther's Wittenberg funeral, closing the biography of the reformer in the Penguin Lives series, apply to the author of that excellent work: "Every time I think about him, he seems even greater to me."

Marty's words in his book, Righteous Empire: The Protestant Experience in America, have been sustaining for me. He wrote: "Theology in the formal sense is in the hands of monks, bishops, or professors who relate the word of God to the world of men. But on the informal level, preachers, writers of tracts, and diarists also write theology." With gratitude, Sharon R. Chace

John and Connie, we send our sympathy and our love to you and the larger Marty clan as you mourn your dad. We have many fond memories of him as just `John´s dad´ during St Olaf days and beyond - many St Olaf Christmas Festivals where I was always shocked that he remembered our names :) In those days we had no clue he was a famous scholar ..... and now, knowing more of his life´s work, we are grateful to have known him as ` John´s dad´ because for all the stunning contributions to scholarship and the church he made, perhaps the best testament of his life is his character - warmth, wisdom, service to mankind, commitment to family and those God put in his path to love - that he passed on so clearly to you, and which we benefit from through friendship with you. He was a singularly gifted man. And he ( and your mom ) raised a very good singularly gifted man ( women and men ...). Rest well Dr Marty !

Dr. Marty, you spoke at my commencement at Loyola of Chicago in 1986, and I heard you speak again in 1990 at the University of South Carolina. Both my grandmother and mother heard you speak as well, and they were equally impressed by your presentations on Christianity. Thank you for giving a human voice to the Lutheran Church. You will be missed...

What a kind and gentle spirit he was. We were privileged to meet Marty when he & Harriet moved to the Pillars of Prospect Park community in 2021. To talk with him in the hallway or in their apartment, one would never know what a renowned person he was. He was so quiet & soft-spoken, never speaking about his accomplishments
Any boasting he did was always about his children or grandchildren.
Sander Johnson & Julie Sichler

He´s my Uncle, so I knew him through Family gatherings and how they were connected to Church.

He was "most influential" in my Life too...influencing my choice of University to study Biology and Environmental Sciences and during my time there, appearing as a Visiting Speaker.

His "world view and connections" were so vast, that everywhere I landed in my Life, folks knew of Him and his prolific writings and his speaking engagements. ...
Especially throughout the Church, across denominations, though our Families were rooted in the Lutheran Denomination.

Even in his last weeks on this Earth, I learned from my cousins of his approach to his end on Earth and I knew my Love, Glenn, was not far behind in that Journey.

Uncle Marty Always Held up Light for Me....
May Perpetual Light Shine upon You

Sending my sympathy to Harriet and the Marty family. I had the privilege and pleasure of knowing Martin Marty as a neighbor and friend for fifteen years. The world is a better place because of him.

I am so honored to have known this man and his wonderful family ! I´m sad to hear of his passing but am happy he walks in joy in heaven .

My sympathy to the Marty family. My dad, Paul Landahl, was the pastor at Ascension in Riverside. I know he would say that his time as Martin Marty's pastor was one of the highlights of his personal and professional life. Dr. Marty was generous and kind to each member of our family. I have so many fond memories of time spent with the Martys - swimming in their backyard pool, a trip their wonderful home on Detroit Island (I´ll never forget the outhouse papered with New Yorker cartoons) and gatherings in their book-filled house on Scottswood Road. We are forever grateful for Dr. Marty's presence in our lives.

Thinking of the Marty family as you grief the lose of your dear father and grandfather. It will always be my honor to own the home on Detroit Island that you all built. His memory will always be honored there and the door is always open for a visit from anyone in the Marty clan.

Such a precious memory of Marty with my grandson.

The Milwaukee "Dietz" family sends our sympathy to Harriet and family as this wonderful Dr. Marty has entered into the arms of his Savior, welcomed by the Saints far and wide who were blessed by his presence while on earth. We give thanks for his life and send love to those who are saddened by his loss.
Marion Wedel Heinz -

What happy memories I have of our time shared in Riverside, especially those times you played with my grandson, Cory Wharton. Our times together were very special and you will be deeply missed. Blessings to you, Harriet. You are in my prayers, Carolyn Cammenga

When I was at Augsburg Publishing House, my supervisor was on the planning committee for that year's Protestant Church-Owned Publishing House event. (Yes, there is such a group!) Their topic was the future, and what new technologies and cultural changes would mean for the publishing houses of the church. When they started to talk about a keynoter, one of the Baptist committee members said, "We have a theologian who would be great for this. His name is Martin Marty." The Lutherans eventually reclaimed him, but what a testimony to his influence and presence that the Baptists first claimed him as "their theologian." I was at that event, and his keynotes were brilliant and on-topic in a way we didn't even realize at that time.

Martin was a wonderful man. I catered for Martin and Harriet in their Chicago apt for years and they were both exceptional hosts. I fondly remember Martin showing me his memorabilia from his visits to the White House. How many people can claim that? An impressive man with warmth for everyone. My deepest sympathy to Harriet and all the Marty children.

Maureen West

I would like to extend my sympathy to the Marty family and friends. Pastor Marty is the first pastor I remember. It was when I was a child in a small, new community (Elk Grove Village) and he held confirmation classes and youth group meetings in his home. Sunday services were held in the local elementary school, because even though we had a congregation, we did not yet have a church. Compared to his later great accomplishments, this seems a very small thing, but I have very fond memories of those times and appreciate his impact on myself and others from that time. Again, please accept my condolences for your loss. Barbara Finkler

Martin Luther once observed that a true Christian is a rare bird. Martin E. Marty was one. He was also a fine historian. Both his faith and his discipline were evident in his honest account of the world's woes and human flaws that never overcame his almost contradictory delight in their beauty and hope for their flourishing.
Anne Carr said that Joseph Kitagawa advised her, "Marty we admire, but do not emulate." And yet, in this historical moment, perhaps we do well to follow his lead.

John and Connie, we knew your dad was a big shot, just like you, John, as anyone growing up Lutheran in the 60s and 70s would have known. His name was heard all over the church and the affiliated Lutheran schools. However, this obituary is almost overwhelming, as it is full of such amazing achievements, but his humble heart shines through the words as well. Many condolences to you as you spend this transition time in grief. It isn't easy losing a parent. They formed you and molded you, but allowed you to fly, and for that we give thanks for their lives. And we give thanks for your father's, life so full and so long! May you find strength and peace in the coming days. We are so sorry for your loss!
Brian and George

A brilliant person exuding the joy of the Lord!

Growing up in Riverside and Ascension Lutheran I have many memories of Dr. Marty and his family. He was kind, generous, intelligent, funny and always made you feel important and special. Rest in peace, Easter Forever

Like so many, I too am deeply indebted to Marty in countless ways. Always gracious and selfless, focused on the needs of whoever happened to be in front of him at the time, Marty modeled what it meant to be a scholar-teacher-pastor, someone who saw the shadows but chose the light, who expressed his gratitude for the gift of this world by engaging it fully, though always with as much playful humor as prophetic outrage. We will miss him.

God's timing is always right on time, never too soon and never late, He has plans for Professor Marty in the Heavenly realms. Our sincere condolences and sympathies in the loss of a wonderful father, husband, minister and successful Professor. It is Heaven's Gain for him to be reunited with Elsa. Senator Bruce & Ruth Anderson

Marilyn and I were very sad to learn of Marty's passing. It was such an honor and blessing, Harriet, to serve as pastor for you and Marty at Ascension in Riverside. May the love of God surround you and give you comfort and hope.

My mother, Charlotte Granskou, sends her condolences to the Marty family. My mom, now 95, remembers living in Riverside, IL close by and bringing me and my sisters (4 girls) over to swim with the 4 Marty boys. My father, David Granskou, was teaching theology at LSTC in Chicago. My mother sends her love and best wishes in the celebration of Martin Marty's incredible life!

I had the privilege of serving as Prof. Marty's colleague at the University of Chicago Divinity School in the 1980s. He was always the kindest, most generous, and most genial colleague one could wish for; it was a delight to be in his presence. Apart from the sparkle in his eye, I remember most his ability to defuse tensions and restore peace. May his memory be for a blessing.

I met Prof. Marty at Central Michigan University in the mid 70´s where I was an undergraduate student. He delivered a powerful lecture. I have been a devoted admirer of his ever since.
Rev. Scott Thayer

My parents, Wilson & Rosemarie Steinbrecher, were close friends of your parents when they were members of Ascension Lutheran Church. I was honored to listen to your father from both the pulpit but also during normal conversations at our home and yours. What an intelligent and faith-filled man! The world is a better place for his presence. God bless all of you and peace.

Marty's passing feels like the end of an era. His work and his person were titanic. I have so many wonderful memories of him, his teaching and writing, his humor, his grace, and his style. He was instrumental in my education and career. He was unique. I've never met anyone like him. I am honored and grateful for having known him.

I loved MM. I was fortunate to Videotape three oral histories with him. They are available for anyone to see by sending a request by email to Jason Lawler. Jason´s email address is [email protected].

My memories of Pastor Marty go back to 1957 when I was 10 years old and our family moved to Elk Grove Village. Pastor and Ela were neighbors
On our newly established street. We attended his church that met in the school across from our home. I went to their house for youth group meetings and was amazed at the size of the library they had. My dad said that the Marty house had to have structural support so that the floor wouldn´t collapse. This was my first experience at a church and I was blessed by his teaching. My family was four girls and theirs was four boys. I followed his career and at age 77, I still brag about Pastor Marty being my first Pastor.

I was a student at the Divinity School, when my mother died unexpectedly in November of 1990. Upon hearing the news, Professor Marty reached out and told me, "We're going to meet once a week so I can check in with you." His pastoral care has given me an enduring memory of grace in the midst of loss.

I was blessed to meet Martin Marty in person long ago when he keynoted a conference for single adult leaders at Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. Newly widowed himself, and having authored The Cry of Absence, his presence and his deeply wise and personal sharing has stayed with me through the years. His books of reflections co- authored with his son remain among my favorite spiritual volumes. What a profound impact - I can close my eyes and see his twinkling smile above his bow tie. So incredibly thankful for his life and ministry. Kay Collier McLaughlin

Our deepest condolences to Susan, you and your family. Geo Roland sent me the info. What a life well lived and, I'm sure, an incredible role model of faith, service and lifelong learning. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

During my senior year of college, my mentor Bill J. Leonard sent me to pick up a chapel guest at the hotel, and I met Martin Marty for the first time. I apologized that I only had one bow tie and it was in Charlotte so I couldn't honor his trademark look. He tossed his suitcase onto the back of my car and started rooting through his clothes until he found a bow tie that matched my shirt.

We exchanged letters for years: he offered counsel about family, calling, and my academic path. I organized another visit years later, which indirectly led to my current job. Every letter from Chicago included at least one bow tie, including a couple that Marty's friend Paul Simon had worn on the Senate floor during the passage of some important bill.

The wisest and most insightful of historians, he was committed to caring in the present and creating a better future. He marched in Selma ("Events like this call for the deepest things within us"), served as a foster parent, and saw every adulation as a new opportunity to meet and inspire more people. He was among the most celebrated scholars of the past century, but every new acquaintance became a friend.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Condolences from Andi and Howard Sass.

As an entering Divinity student, I took Rev. Marty’s Church History class in 1964. Not only was he a brilliant, engaging teacher, he took the time to meet with each of us for a friendly chat in his office about our major project. Later he graded that project in record time, with a long, typed, constructive comment. May I add that the class had at least 80 students in it. His work ethic as a teacher has inspired me for the last 60 years. During this time I’ve seen Rev. Marty from time to time at concerts in the Chicago area and his warmth and interest in all his former students has amazed me. Thank you to his family for sharing him with the world.

Lesley and I met Martin Marty in 1975 when he spoke at a banquet for Wartburg Seminary seniors in which he encouraged us to challenge boundaries. We are grateful for his example of a congruent life and the influence of his witness.

I recall fondly hearing Dr. Marty speak as a guest Pastor at the Trinity Lutheran Church on Washington Island in Wisconsin: such an insightful, kind, intelligent fellow; and a real gentleman! One of the best lecturers ever! Always an "event" when Dr. Marty came to visit! He always had a moment to share a kind word, warm smile, or welcome observation. Also an interesting author, as I recall. This was a much-beloved speaker who would be welcome upon any doorstep or portal he wished to enter, and will be sorely missed by his constituents. While years ago I lived in the Chicago Suburbs not far from Elk Grove Village, I never had the opportunity to hear him speak down there, but it was always a special time when I was "up north"! All who knew him were blessed to have had time to make his acquaintance!
With great respect for all you did for your fellow man, Doctor Marty, rest in gentle peace!

I gratefully add my condolences to many, many others who were forever changed by the life and liveliness of Martin Marty. His gentle and generous manner, like his wise and erudite intellect, were gifts of immeasurable blessing for many decades. Our love now surrounds Harriet, Marty´s children, their spouses, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in celebrating his life and commending him to God´s eternal care and keeping. Rest in peace, dear friend, mentor and colleague.

Thank you, Marty. You were your own brand. Practical, down-to-earth, generous of spirit, and an extraordinary mind. Breathtaking productive.
Thank you!

Dr. Marty, you truly will be missed. Your insightful approach to religious pluralism in the public square is needed now more than ever. I will be forever grateful to you for your mentorship while I was a student at the University of Divinity School, focusing on liturgical studies, Black worship specifically. I graduated with the D.Min. in August 1991, just two or three days before my middke child, a daughter, was born! You were my Dissertation Chair and suggested I submit my project for publication to my denominational publisher, and it was accepted. You wrote the Foreword for the resulting book, Praising in Black and White: Unity and Diversity in Christian Worship (Cleveland: United Church Press, 1996). This work, which you helped to shape, has been used in theological centers around the country. RIH Marty. Without a doubt, our Savior already has welcomed you with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

I have enjoyed listening to or reading Dr. Marty for many years. Dr. Marty and I shared February 5 as a birthday. I remember fondly standing in line for lunch at a Synod assembly behind Dr. Marty and three other seminary faculty members when he graciously asked me to join their table. I sat in awe as I listened to these learned men talk. I pray that the Lord will grant and extra measure of His peace to all of Dr. Marty's loved ones at this time.

Besides my grateful years as a student of Martin Marty, I add a personal memory.
My wife, Christa Cox, and I owned a B and B
in Sancerre France. The Marty´s came to visit.
We toured the great Cathedral of Bourges.
Marty was excited at the grandeur. Then he and my wife started singing together
Ach Herr lass Dein Lieb Engelein, the final chorale from Bach St John Passion. They discovered they both wanted it sung at their funeral.
I had at my wife´s and hope it will be at Marty´s
Stan Grabarek

I was blessed to work with Marty for 12 years at The Christian Century. Though a world-renowned scholar, he was down-to-earth, kind, and supportive, and had a good sense of humor. I was flattered that years after I had left the Century and moved to Minnesota (and helped with John Marty's campaign for governor), he still remembered me and responded to my emails. I am grateful that he lived a long, happy life. May God welcome his soul into life everlasting.

Martin Marty was one of the finest human beings Rachel and I have ever encountered. In addition to, or in spite of, his enormous achievements and the many accolades he received, he was a friendly, approachable, and generous person. We loved Marty and Harriet and admired them. We will miss Marty very much and cherish his memory. Yaakov and Rachel

I once went to the Art Institute of Chicago early on a Monday with my 4 month old. As my daughter and I were in the coat check line waiting an older man in a bow tie was in front of us, flirting outrageously with my baby.

Of course it was Dr. Marty.

I introduced myself and told him I had gone to the University of Chicago Divinity School thanks in part to the Elsa Marty Scholarship. He asked about my ministry and made my daughter laugh. And then we went about our day.

That´s just one story.

So grateful for Dr. Marty´s life and ministry. We have lost a luminary but heaven has gained a saint.

Well done good and faithful servant.

John and family - Gary and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. What an important and impactful life your Father lived. Hoping for some peace for you all in knowing how much he gave to the world.

Condolences and prayers for you, Harriet. It was a joy to see you and Marty in Riverside and how you delighted in our daughters. God bless you and keep you.
Paul and Joan Halvey

Dr. Marty´s brilliance as a wise scholar paled in comparison to the brightness of his loving heart. I grew up in Hyde Park, and attended a few of his lectures while studying for my M.Div. at LSTC and D.Min. at CTS, but I never had the privilege of attending one of his classes - though he invited me. My privilege was the pleasure of seeing him smile at me, whether across an auditorium or sanctuary, or because by coincidence we were in an elevator at the same time. We had met, connected, and questioned together, and that smile was all I needed to know that he was my beloved friend. And if you also had the privilege of meeting Dr. Marty, he was also your dear friend. Love and blessings until we meet again.

Harriet and family, please accept my sympathy on Marty's passing. It was always a privilege to work with him. When it came time for me to move out of academia and into the business world, he was supportive as always. I'm so glad we were able to stay in touch over the years. I also remember that when my oldest daughter said she wanted to meet him, he invited us to his home and then took us out for supper. We were in Chicago touring college campuses at the time.

I will remember him and all of you in my prayers.

Tom Jonas

Read his column in the Christian Century "religiously."

We were so sorry to hear this news about Dr. Marty! Such a wonderful, fun-loving, spiritual, intellectual man! Such great memories from Detroit Island, and the music nights with the Marty, Jarosch, Stoffregen, and Russell families. His was a life well-lived.
We send our deepest sympathies along with our love and hugs and prayers.

Bev and Greg Tipps

My condolences to the entire Marty family. I was Executive Producer of a six-part adult education video series in which we used Marty to introduce discussion questions for each section. We filmed him in about one hour, and he lived up to his nickname of "One Take Marty." We gave him the script, he read it through once, and it was perfectly done. He was a man of many, many gifts he graciously shared. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Sending heartfelt condolences to Harriet, Marty's sons, and the rest of the extended Marty family. MEM was an extraordinary writer, scholar, and human being whose brilliance, energy, creativity, kindness, sense of humor, and generosity of spirit touched me more deeply than I can say. I hope you take comfort in your memories of him and in the knowledge that his work made a remarkable, positive, and lasting impact on the world in so many ways. You all are very much in my thoughts. Sincerely, Brett (with Caroline, Luman, and Emmett)