Lauren Lee Maertens

An Angel on Earth has gone to be with her Grandpa’s Bill and Bill. Lauren Lee Maertens, 31, of Clear Lake, passed away on Monday, March 14, 2016, at her home at the Opportunity Village main campus.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2016, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, Iowa, with the Reverands Kathy Graves and Rich Murray officiating.  Burial will be in Park Cemetery, Nora Springs, Iowa.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to give a memorial in her memory may do so by directing them to the family, who will distribute to Hospice of North Iowa and Opportunity Village.

Lauren Lee Maertens was born on Oct. 16, 1984, to Dennis and Becky Maertens in Mason City.

She attended school in Mason City, graduating in 2004. Shortly after graduation, Lauren moved to Opportunity Village where she met another loving family.

Lauren loved to greet people with her infectious smile.  She loved the water, fishing, vacations to Okoboji, and was granted a Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World in Orlando, Fla.  Lauren loved to sing her favorite songs, Jesus Loves Me, Take Me Out To The Ballgame, and Away in The Manger.  She enjoyed macaroni and cheese every chance she got.

Lauren has been a steadfast fundraiser in the annual Opportunity Village Benefit Walk since 2007.  She has raised over $66,000 and was inducted into the Benefit Walk Hall of Fame in 2011.

Left to cherish her memory is her mother, Becky Marshall, of Mason City; her father, Dennis (Heidi) Maertens, of Clear Lake; grandmothers, Linda Marshall, of Mason City, and Iola Maertens, of Toledo, Iowa; stepbrothers, Cody (Britney) Marzen and Lee Marzen, both of Greene, Iowa; many aunts, uncles and cousins.  Lauren will be missed dearly by her family at Opportunity Village.

Lauren was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Bill Marshall and Bill Maertens.

Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, was in charge of arrangements.