Martha Watson

Martha Watson obituary, Reinbeck, IA

Martha Watson

Upcoming Events

Sep

27

Service

12:15 p.m.

Zion Lutheran Church

5831 Grundy Rd, Hudson, IA 50643

Send Flowers

Sep

27

Graveside service

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Reinbeck Cemetery

1050 Blackhawk St, Reinbeck, IA 50669

Send Flowers

Only 5 days left for delivery to next service.

Martha Watson Obituary

Visit the Abels Funeral and Cremation Service - French-Hand Chapel website to view the full obituary.

Martha Watson, 96, of Reinbeck, Iowa, passed away Friday, September 19, 2025, at UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. A graveside service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Reinbeck City Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the graveside at the Zion Lutheran Church in rural Hudson, Iowa.

Martha was born on February 9, 1929 to Christian and Emma (Heller) Brandhorst. She graduated from Hudson High School in 1946 and was valedictorian of her class. She worked as a private secretary for the Rath Packing Company for seven years. Since then, she had worked at the grocery store in Reinbeck for the last 20 years for Trunck’s Country Foods. She married Claire (Jonsey) Watson on June 25, 1954 at the Zion Lutheran Church of Hudson. She was a lifetime member of the church.

Martha is survived by her two children; Sue (Don) Gibson of Waterloo, Iowa, Dayne (Joan) Watson of Reinbeck, Iowa, a granddaughter; Brittany Rose of Reinbeck, Iowa, a great grandson; Oliver Klein of Reinbeck, Iowa, and a sister-in-law; Elaine Brandhorst of Hudson, Iowa.

Make a Donation
in Martha Watson's name

How to support Martha's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Martha Watson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Upcoming Events

Sep

27

Service

12:15 p.m.

Zion Lutheran Church

5831 Grundy Rd, Hudson, IA 50643

Send Flowers

Sep

27

Graveside service

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Reinbeck Cemetery

1050 Blackhawk St, Reinbeck, IA 50669

Send Flowers

Only 5 days left for delivery to next service.