Jon Lance Martens

Jon Lance Martens passed away at home on Thursday, July 11th, 2024, in Parkdale, Oregon. He
was born on April 8, 1942, to Rene and Mildred (Pegg) Martens in their family home located in
Custer, Montana. Jon was the youngest of three children, with siblings Patricia (Martens) Kainu
and James (Jim) Martens. Jon was raised on ranches in Custer, Red Lodge, Hardin and lived
along the outskirts of Billings, Montana. His family farmed beets, peas, hay, sheep, chickens,
and cattle. He graduated class of 1960 from Pine and Peak Highschool in Red Lodge, Montana
before moving to Parkdale, Oregon with his parents later that year and continued to live until his
passing. Jon married Mida Kay (Hutson) August 18, 1961, and together they had 3 beautiful
daughters: Collice Marie, Heidi Jean and Jennifer Rae.
Jon started his occupational history atop the rugged summit of Indian Mountain lookout located
in the Oregon National Forest. He went on to perform aerial fire observation and detection from
Hood River County to Central Oregon for fire prevention. He worked temporarily for his in-laws
(Wally and Nadine Hutson) at their Hutson family orchard hauling fruit and running excavation
equipment. He then went on to work for U.S. Plywood & Edward Hines Lumber Company in
Dee, Oregon.
During the winter months he would work for the Oregon State Highway Department and as a
chair lift operator at Mt. Hood Meadows. During the summer he also drove log truck for John
Gray. He went on to work for the U.S. Forest Service Road Maintenance Department, obtaining
a full-time position running heavy equipment. He then became a Road Maintenance Supervisor,
transitioning into his role of Road Management overseeing several thousand miles of road
throughout 3 Districts until his retirement.
April of 1994, Jon, along with his wife Mida Kay, were 2 of the 2,200 federal employees who
accepted the Voluntary Separation Incentive Departure retiring at a young age. He worked from
1968-1994 for Mt. Hood National Forest USDA.
When Jon married Mida Kay, he discovered their mutual love for horses. Jon grew up riding,
working, and playing astride horses in Montana. His wife had always wanted to have a horse.
Jon made that dream come true for Mida. Their favorite horse together was a 17.1 hand bright
red Saddlebred / Thoroughbred cross named Firecracker. Their love of horses was passed on to
all 3 daughters. Jon supported his girls for 20+ years in 4-H, including volunteering at our local
Hood River County Fair as a night watchman for many years alongside his good friend Hoss
Campbell.
Jon unquestionably loved sports, bowling, the outdoors, fishing, hunting and his family. He
played basketball into his adulthood in the men's community leagues. He coached youth sports
teams for his grandsons and coached girls' basketball -including his granddaughter (6th grade
through high school) at Horizon Christian School. Outside of coaching Jon was also a devoted
sideline supporter for all his grandchildren's sporting events, which often involved traveling. Jon
rarely missed a game!
Jon is survived by his wife Mida Kay and their 3 daughters Collice, Heidi and husband Ray
Kyar, Jennifer and husband Mark Gunter. His 11 grandchildren (Wesley, Tyler, Jon, Cory,
Sonna and husband Ryan Weddle, Bryce, Lauryn and husband Mauricio Carrera, Masyn,
Adisyn, James and Brandon. His 6 great-grandchildren (Michael, Hannah, Brynlee, Kason,
Royce and Scarlett). Along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and his
many friends. Both of his parents, grandparents and his brother Jim have preceded him in death.
Jon loved visiting and knew no stranger. Please join us to share your memories and his
remarkable 82 years of life. Celebration of Life gathering will be held At 3:00pm on Friday,
July 19, 2024 At Horizon Christian School-Shephard of the Valley Bible Church in Hood River, Oregon.