Gladys Marie Martin

Gladys Marie Martin

Gladys Marie Martin died at Hammond Henry Hospital Long Term Care in Geneseo, Ill., at the age of 98.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and no services are to be held. Vandemore Funeral Home – Geneseo Chapel will be assisting the family.

Gladys Marie Martin (Topinka) was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Joseph and Tillie Topinka, in the home her father Joseph built. She was raised in Cedar Rapids and graduated from Wilson High School. Following high school, she was employed at the Linn County Courthouse abstract office, where she performed clerical work.

She met Maurice Martin in North Liberty, Iowa, on a blind date. They later married on November 20, 1949. Together, they had three children: Michael, Gary (aka Skinner), and Vicki. Gladys enjoyed being a stay-at-home mother. Later, she worked at the Iowa City Board of Education as a secretary to the superintendent and at Robert Lucas Elementary as a fun lunch lady. Gladys also worked with Maury and Vicki at Family Creations, painting crafts, and going to craft shows.

Gladys was a kind-hearted and caring woman. Her innocence was one of her best qualities, and she had a great sense of humor and was always laughing-often at herself. Her laugh was infectious. Once you got her going, it was hard to get her to stop. Gladys enjoyed spending time with her family and watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in band, sports, and activities. She was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan. She also gave the best back scratches. Gladys was a fantastic cook, with her specialties being Halloween cookies and meatloaf.

Those left to cherish her memory are sons, Michael (Nancy) Martin of Sun City West, Ariz., and Gary Martin (aka Skinner) of North Liberty, Iowa; daughter, Vicki (Tom) Walker of Coal Valley, Ill.; grandchildren, Amy Martin, Trevor Walker, Hillary (Richard) Walker-Bassford, Courtney (Rocky) Requeno, and Austin (Gloriann) Martin; great-grandchildren, Brady Walker, Colton Requeno, Miley Martin and several other great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Maurice Martin, on April 21, 2023. They will be buried together in a couple's urn at a family plot in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with private graveside services. Memorial donations may be given in Gladys' name to the family which will be distributed by the family to Hammond Henry's Long Term Care for resident clothing protectors or to other local community groups.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude for the love and care provided by the staff at Hammond Henry Long Term Care, to the cafeteria employees, and to Gayla for always making sure Gladys' hair was beautifully done. Also, to Jeff Little, NP and Dr. Thomas Staley. Many sincere thanks and gratitude for the support, care and love from St. Croix Hospice nurse, Tanya and compassionate hospice staff.