Walter Eugene "Walt" Mart

Walter Eugene Mart, of Roseville, California, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on September 8, 2025. He was born on August 29, 1931 in Pocahontas, Iowa, to Peter Mart and Margaret (Neu) Mart. Walter was the eighth child out of nine; brothers Willard, Vince, George, and Harold; sisters Georgina, Eileen, Lorraine, and Donna.

Walt attended and graduated in 1949 from Sacred Heart High School in Pocahontas, Iowa. While growing up, he worked on the Mart family farm until he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951. He married his high school sweetheart, Carol Jean Ott, from Pocahontas, Iowa in 1952 and spent the next 22 years proudly serving his country. Walter was assigned various bases throughout the United States: Texas, Illinois, Washington, Virginia, Arizona, Mississippi, South Carolina, Florida, California and Arkansas. He was also assigned to overseas bases in South Korea, Germany, Thailand, and Guam. He was a Korean War Veteran and a Vietnam War Veteran. During his distinguished career in the Air Force, Walter worked as an Electronics Mechanic on various aircraft and received many awards and decorations. These awards include the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal w/1BSS, United Nations Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal with 4 bronze loops, Air Force Longevity Service Award with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal, Small Arms Marksmanship Medal and the Air Force Accommodations Medal for Meritorious Service. After 22 years in the USAF, Walter retired as a Master Sergeant. During the next 20 years Walter continued his career as an Electronics Mechanic (WG-11) at Mather Air Force Base and McClellan Air Force Base and received his second retirement. While working full-time, Walter attended college classes to further his education.

Walt was a devout Catholic and was very involved in his church community, St. Rose of Lima, in Roseville, California. He was a Eucharist minister at St. Rose of Lima and at Sutter Roseville Hospital. For many years, Walter was a member of the choir and was proud to perform the Messiah at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, in Sacramento, California. As a faithful servant he was a lector, an usher, a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus and lead the rosary group weekly. In 2010, Walt completed a Catholic Cursillo program to foster his personal relationship with Jesus Christ in order to live and share his faith intentionally in his daily life.

Walter was married to Carol for 61 years and had 7 children (twins, David and Diane, Debora, Dorothy, Donna, Denise and Danny). He was very proud of his family and loved his many grandchildren, great-grand children and great-great-grand children. The family get togethers and celebrations through the years leave us all with lasting memories of great times spent together. A few years after Carol passed, he married Shirley Kelly. During his second marriage, he fulfilled a lifetime dream to go to Jerusalem. This trip was planned and organized by local parishioners; he was accompanied by his wife, Shirley and daughter, Diane.

Walter leaves his family and all those who knew him with an incredible example of living a life of devotion to God, and having compassion for others. He is survived by his current wife, Shirley; sons, David and Danny; daughters, Diane, Debora, Dorothy, Donna, and Denise; daughters-in-law, Cheryl and Susan; sons-in-law, Tom, Mike, Dan, and Steve; 19 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. In addition, he leaves behind Shirley's four children Marty, Karen, Kimberly, and Jeffrey and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Margaret; wife, Carol; siblings, Willard, Vince, George, Harold, Georgina, Lorraine, Eileen, and Donna; and granddaughter, Andrea.

Walt's life of devotion to God, family and service will be forever cherished. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, 615 Vine Avenue, Roseville, California 95678.

Family and friends will gather at the Calvary Cemetery & Funeral Center, 7101 Verner Avenue, Citrus Heights, California, to honor and remember Walter on Friday, October 10, 2025, for the visitation and rosary, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 1:00 – 2:00 PM, with the burial following at 2:00 PM. Reception immediately following.