Rev. Martin John Iszler

On Thursday, March 13th, 2025, the Reverend Martin John Iszler, loving husband, father and grandfather, joined the Church Triumphant at the age of 90.
Martin was born on May 17th, 1934, in Minot North Dakota to Rev. Otto and Helen (Tietz) Iszler. He played basketball and was king of his class at Martin High School. He graduated Cum Laude from Concordia College of Moorehead, Minnesota and earned a Master of Divinity at Capital University Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. With a deep appreciation for the outdoors and love of Montana, Martin spent his summers working as a park ranger in Glacier National Park, much of his time spent as a "gear jammer" driving the famous "Reds" tour buses on the Going to the Sun Highway. Later Martin continued on to do graduate work at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and was ordained a Lutheran pastor in 1961. Following his discharge from the Navy he went on to serve the ALC and the ELCA for 35 years before retiring in 1996. He was a cherished pastor by the congregations he served.
Martin's first congregation was in Webster, New York where he met Barbara Jean VanWyckhouse, who he later married in 1962. They had two sons, Gregory and Matthew. A few years after Barbara's passing, Martin met and married his wife Mai, of Colorado Springs. In 1996 they happily settled in their home of Sun City West, Arizona.
Throughout his life Martin was dedicated to his faith and ministry. A lifelong learner and voracious reader, Martin had a deep curiosity of the world around him and an openness that continuously evolved his perspective on life. In retirement he thrived pursuing many passions including fitness, history and finance where he experienced success in a second career as a private investor. In leisure, he enjoyed chess, IndyCar races, genealogy and a new-found appreciation of football. Most of all he valued time with his family and friends. Martin Iszler was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and friend.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Max and Paul, and his dear wife Barbara. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Mai, his brother Bud and sister-in-law Mary Jo, his sister Grace, children Gregory and Matthew, daughters-in-law Elizabeth and Adrianne, step-son Joe and his fiancé Jennifer, and his grandchildren Van, Sophia and Sage.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 13724 W. Meeker Blvd. Sun City West, AZ.