Alan Robert Martens

Alan Robert Martens, 81, formerly of Ogallala, Nebraska, passed away on August 30, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colorado. Alan lived a full and meaningful life marked by dedication to his family, friends, community, and a long-standing professional career.

Alan was born on August 21, 1945 in Ogallala, Nebraska to Gilbert and Norma Eberhardt Martens. He was baptized and attended parochial school at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. He attended Kearney State College and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agriculture and horticulture. It was while attending the University of Nebraska that he met Leona Mae Vanicek. They were married on July 20, 1968 and started a family.

He went on to build a successful and rewarding career through hard work and dedication. His career included working for The Great Western Sugar Company and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension, as well as farming. He eventually retired from the City of Loveland, Colorado and later devoted his time to his herbicide and pesticide company in Windsor, Colorado as well as to farming in Nebraska.

Alan was a wonderful brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his sons; Mark Martens of Evans, Colorado; Matthew (Tiffany) Martens along with granddaughters Vada and Iliana of Fruita, Colorado; Thomas (Michelle) Martens Sr. of Boulder City, Nevada. He is also survived by his grandson Gary Martens of Henderson, Nevada; grandson Thomas (Olivia) Martens, along with great-grandson Theodore of Boulder City, Nevada; and Benjamin (Mollie) Martens, along with great-granddaughter Magnolia of Henderson, Nevada.

He is also survived by his sisters; Marcia Crofutt of Ogallala, Nebraska, and Jolene (Charles) Engel of Ogallala, Nebraska as well as his brother-in-law Leonard Vanicek (Alice) of Mesa Arizona. He leaves behind many other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.
Alan was preceded in death by his loving wife, Leona Martens; daughter, Beth Martens; his parents, Gilbert and Norma Martens; his brother, Gary Martens; and three infant sisters.

Alan was a kind and generous man who loved riding his Harley, hunting, and fishing. Above all, he loved and treasured spending time with his family.

A memorial has been established in Alan’s memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com where the service will be streamed live.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ogallala, with Pastor Timothy Steele II officiating. Interment will follow at the Ogallala Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala.

A memorial has been established in Alan's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.