Martha Wangen, 89, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, died Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016, at St. John’s Lutheran Community.

Martha Caroline Ramsey Wangen was born in Freeborn County, Minnesota, to parents John A. and Clara Knutson Ramsey on Nov. 2, 1927. She was baptized and confirmed at East Freeborn Lutheran Church. She attended Bell School and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1945. She was employed at Farmers State Bank of Hayward, Minnesota, until her marriage to Orin J. Wangen on June 27, 1948, at East Freeborn Lutheran Church.

She was a member of Oakland Lutheran Church and was active and served in various organizations of the church. Martha was a hardworking and caring farm wife who took care of her family as well as all of her chickens. She was Orin’s main caregiver for several years. She always had the coffee on and plenty of goodies on hand, and always looked forward to the grandchildren stopping by or attending their functions they were involved in. Martha and Orin spent over 15 years at Happy Days Resort in Nevis, Minnesota. They loved to fish and teach all of their grandchildren to fish.

Martha is survived by her children, five sons, Kenneth and wife Diane of Albert Lea, Steven and wife Linda of Blooming Prairie,  Minnesota, Donald and his wife Connie of Cambridge, Minnesota, Larry and wife Robin of Oakland, Minnesota, and David of Albert Lea; one daughter, Kathy and husband Dennis Kreuscher of Albert Lea; grandchildren: Evan Wangen (Kelsey), Andrew Wangen, Rochelle (Doug) Kilabarda, Jeremy (Brie) Wangen, Nicholas Wangen (Ashleigh), Brian (Sarah) Julson, Kayla (Cass) Bowen, Aaron Julson (Susan), Mandy (Zach) Johnson, Casey Wangen (Tobi), Dustin Wangen, Ashton Wangen, Adison Wangen (Matt), Jason (Joanne) Kreuscher, and Lucas (Devan) Kreuscher; 20 great-grandchildren; sisters, Doris Johnson, Janice (Bob) Knutson, and Gordon (Ramona) Ramsey, all of Albert Lea; and many nieces and nephews.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Orin, in 2009; parents; brothers, Everett, Hartwick, and Alert (Bud); and sisters-in-law, Gladys (Roscoe) Nellis and Joanne Ramsey.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016, at Oakland Lutheran Church. The Rev. Waldemar Gies will officiate. Interment will be at Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 26, at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.