Gerald L. "Jerry" Martens

Gerald "Jerry" Lee Martens, 75, of Erie, IL, died Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at his home. Private Graveside Services will be held in the Erie Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Erie Fire Protection District. Gibson-Bode Funeral Home, Erie, is in care of the arrangements.
Jerry was born August 28, 1950, in Morrison, Illinois, a son of Albert and Dorcas (Prins) Martens. He graduated from Erie High School in 1968. Jerry became the owner / operator of Gerald Martens Trucking Company, retiring in 2016. He also had a 6-year stint at GE in Morrison. On December 21, 1990, Jerry married Carla Ann Hopson. They spent over 32 years together before her passing in 2023.
Jerry was devoted to his community. He served as a Village of Erie Trustee for 12 years and on the Erie Fire Department for 28 years, retiring in 2005. His favorite hobby was golfing. He is a Past President of Lake Erie Country Club.
Survivors include his daughter, Lissa (Gavin) DeSplinter, Atkinson, IL; brother, Richard (Janice) Martens, Erie; grandchildren, Brody and Annistyn DeSplinter; and nieces and nephews, Mark Martens, Melissa Farley, Barbara Dangond, Brooke Berk, Chad Martens, and Latrice Martens. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Carla and brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Beverly Martens.
Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com