Funeral Services with a Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 9, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Davenport. Visitation, starting with prayer service, will be held 5:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, at the Runge Mortuary. He will be laid to rest in Davenport Memorial Park. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rungemortuary.com.
Lorenzo was born on April 28th, 1951 in Zaragosa Chihuahua Mexico, to Zacarias Martinez and Ana Grijalva De Martinez. He was the youngest of four children. At the tender age of eighteen, he met the love of his life, Rebeca. Both Lorenzo and Rebeca, were united in marriage on April 28th, 1970 and together, they had eight children. Lorenzo worked at Alter Recycling Company as a supervisor, where he retired after thirty-eight years. In 2014, Lorenzo was a transplant liver recipient and was gifted another eight years of life. Lorenzo’s creativity and nurturing bloomed thru his passion in his vegetable garden. He loved working with his hands and spent many hours in his very own workshop allowing his innovation to come to life. He had a skilled hand in machinery and wasn’t afraid to work around the house or vehicles. He taught his children to do the exact same and taught them to not be afraid to get their hands dirty. Above it all, Lorenzo’s love for his family was never doubted. He led by example an always put the family and the family's needs beyond his own. Lorenzo will never be forgotten by his family.
Most importantly, he was a devoted grandfather of 23 grandchildren who loved to visit their Abuelo. Abuelo had an incredibly special bond with all 23 of them whom will honor and remember him for years to come. In addition, he leaves behind five beautiful great grandchildren.
Lorenzo was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Antonio Martinez.
The family would like to thank the University of Iowa Hospital Oncology and the Transplant Team and Unity Point Hospice for their care and support.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Rebeca Martinez; children: Ruth (Gene Justus) Martinez-Justus, Davenport, IA. Elizabeth (Gino) Giovenco, Plant City, FL. Rosa (Joe III) Faison, Davenport, IA. Ana (Gabriel Lohf) Martinez-Lohf, Urbandale, IA. Magdalena (Matthew) Robb, Davenport, IA. Lorenzo Jr (Laurie) Martinez, Davenport, IA. Carlos (Melissa) Martinez, Muscatine, IA. Gonzalo (Aida) Martinez, Davenport, IA.; and siblings: Juana Cardenas, Rosalio Martinez.
