Obituaries

Marlene Joyce (Sondergeld) Martin, 87, of Genoa, Ohio, passed away on Monday September 23, 2024, at Genoa Care Center. Marlene was born in Graytown, Ohio on February 10, 1937, the only daughter of William and Freida (Arnold) Sondergeld. She graduated from Harris-Elmore High School in 1955, and then worked for the old Toledo Trust Bank before meeting her constant companion and husband, Ron Martin. The two were married on April 26, 1958, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Genoa.

Marlene and Ron started their married life and family on her farm near Graytown, Ohio. In 1972, they moved to a farm in Lake Township, where they grew their family and spent the rest of their lives. Marlene was active in all the kids’ school activities, serving as Room Mother and event PTA President. Once the kids were in high school, Marlene remained active with the Lake Band Boosters, serving as President several times.

Marlene was also very active in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, serving as Rosary Altar President for many years. As the children got older and left the nest, Marlene found her second calling working in the catering business with her niece. Marlene was already known for her great cooking by the family but was able to share her talents with the community working for Carole’s Personalized Catering and then Carolyn’s Personalized Catering in Millbury.

As they approached retirement, Marlene and Ron found another life of fun and family in Bonita Springs, spending over 25 years wintering at Bonita Lake Resort. They enjoyed the warm climate and made many friends at the park. Marlene continued her cooking legacy as she organized the many park meals and was famous for her “bar cookies” and other desserts. She became well known for altering recipes for specific group sizes or to meet the flavor needs of the event or activity.

Marlene and Ron were avid and lifelong Ohio State fans and enjoyed cheering for the Buckeyes in the Horseshoe or at home on the couch! More recently, Marlene watched every Ohio State sporting event she could find on TV.

Family was a priority for Marlene, who loved not only her own children and grandchildren, but the many nieces, nephews, cousins and neighbors that crossed her path. Aunt / Grandma Marlene was loved and cherished by all for her generosity and support.

Marlene is survived by her daughters, Dianne (Roger) Mortensen, Deb (Mike) George, sons, Bill Martin and Gene Martin, and grandchildren, Emily (Jesse) Baker, Nick Mortensen, Amandrea (Brandon) Holmes, John (Grace) George and great grandson Max Baker. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 64 years, Ron Martin.

Visitation for Marlene will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM on Sunday, September 29, 2024, in the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, 501 West St., Genoa, Ohio. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Monday September 30, 2024, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Genoa, with burial to follow in the Clay Township Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to Cleveland Clinic Pulmonary Medicine [PO Box 931517, Cleveland, OH 44193-1655], St Jude [501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105] and Hospice of Northwest Ohio [30000 East River Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551] Online condolences may be shared with Marlene’s family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.