June 1, 2020 the world lost a very special soul, Dr. Larry Martens, 69 years old. Cancer was Not on his bucket list.

You knew him – He was your family, He worked with you, He hugged you at a meeting, He held your hand at a visit and, most of all, He rode next to you on a Grand Motorcycle Adventure.

Larry was born Laurence LeRoy Martens on March 30, 1951. “Please, never call me Laurence”, he would always say. Larry worked hard to put himself through College at Mankato State University. Larry then went on to Medical School, graduating with Honors from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1984. He finally settled in Twin Falls, Idaho where he worked and loved his job at Twin Falls Clinic and Hospital. Larry always said that his time at TFC&H was “Real Doctoring”, that those times and those people were the best.

Larry loved being a Doctor. He enjoyed sitting with patients, holding their hands and “being there” for them. Eventually the new rules of how to treat patients took that passion of “Real Doctoring” away from him. But even at the end of his career, he did not want to retire. He said he’d miss all of his patients way too much, that they were “His” and he couldn’t let them go.

Larry was happiest riding his Harleys. If he wasn’t riding all over town, he was talking about riding all over the world! He rode across the U.S. on Route 66, from Oregon to Maine, down the Pacific Coast Highway and through the majority of the United States. He also rode most of the Canadian Provinces, Australia, Germany, Slovenia, Italy, Spain, and Morocco. Larry was the jokester, and boy he loved a good joke…especially if He was the one saying or doing it to someone. His unique sense of humor will always be included in stories of Larry for many years to come.

Larry did not want a sad funeral day; he wanted a Celebration of Life. He wanted people to gather to share stories and laughter…it’s always about the stories for Larry. In keeping with Larry’s wishes, there will be an informal gathering and viewing at the Reformed Church on Poleline on Saturday, June 6 from 3 to 5 p.m. Please come prepared to share stories about Larry and how he touched your life. The dress code will be casual, but please wear blue which is Larry’s favorite color. You are welcome to bring a small token to send with Larry on his final “Grand Adventure”. Please remember to be mindful of other people’s feelings and social distance.

Interment will be a private ceremony by invitation only.