Marty Jay Ehret

A visitation for Marty Ehret will take place Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 4-7 PM at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Lake Park. Memorials in honor of Marty may be given to the Lake Park Fire Department, PO Box 444, Lake Park, IA 51347. The family will have a private family service at a later date.  

Marty Jay Ehret, age 74, passed away at his home on Friday, February 13, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved.

Marty was born on February 16, 1951, to Glenn and Ardith (Thorn) Ehret in Estherville, Iowa. He lived his entire life on the Ehret family farm near Lake Park, a place that defined much of his life’s work and passion. A 1969 graduate of Harris-Lake Park High School, Marty continued his education at Iowa Lakes Community College.

On October 30, 1971, Marty married Susan Ihnen in Lake Park. Together, they raised two children, Michael and Brandon. As a third-generation farmer, Marty dedicated his life to the land, raising corn, soybeans, and cattle. He took great pride in working side-by-side with Brandon and Brandon’s children on the farm for many years until his retirement in 2017.

On February 24, 2009, Marty married Debbie Smith-Olson in Tombstone, Arizona. Throughout their 17 years of marriage, Marty and Deb enjoyed spending their winters as "snowbirds" in Arizona. They cherished the time spent exploring the deserts and mountains of southwest Arizona on their side-by-side, watching trains, creating lasting memories and making many dear friends.

Marty was a man of many interests and a committed community servant. A lifelong fan of sprint car racing, he attended the Knoxville Nationals each year from the 1970s through 2024. He was also a founding member of the Lake Park Town & Country Boosters, served as a Silver Lake Township Trustee, and was a Board Member for the Farmers Co-op Exchange.

Having obtained his amateur radio license in high school, Marty enjoyed connecting with people around the world. He also put his skills to use for his community, serving as a dedicated storm spotter for many years.

Marty is survived by his wife, Deb; his brother, Jim (Kathy) Ehret and his sister, Lesleigh Wiese; sister-in-law, Diane Joens and brother-in-law, Kirk (Tamara) Smith. He is lovingly remembered by his children: Mike (Tami) Ehret, Brandon (Kristi) Ehret, and Jenna Ehret; and his stepchildren: Dan Olson, Mike (Sarah) Olson, Harvey (Angela) Olson, and Elizabeth (Jeremy) Johnson.

His legacy continues through his many grandchildren: Zach (Emmily) Ehret, Jocelyn (Gavin) Ehret, Rylan (Elise) Ehret, Kelsey Ehret; Grant Wolthuis; Pheonix, Mariah, Quentin, and Dani Olson; Ole and Charlie Olson; Mariah (Justis) McCarty, Mason (Rynelle) Olson, Kadiance Olson, Grady Olson, and Harvey Joe Olson; and Michela, Justus, and Jaedyn Olson. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Adalynn, Madison, and Malakai Ehret; Cohen Van Wey; and MaeBelle, Colter, and Mia McCarty.

Marty was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Ardith, and his brothers-in-law, Dennis Wiese and Paul Joens.