Martha Johanna Wenstrand, the daughter of William Sherwood and Bernice (Liljedahl) Wenstrand, was born November 16, 1944 in Shenandoah, Iowa. She passed away on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, at the Good Samaritan Society, Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 74 years, 2 months and 7 days.

Martha attended Essex Community Schools, where she was involved in the band and chorus, and graduated in 1963. While growing up, she also participated in Girl Scouts, 4-H and Luther League. Martha attended the University of Iowa from 1963-1967 and earned her BA in Social Work. Martha began her career in social work at Glenwood State Hospital-School, while attending college. Over the next 40 plus years, she worked for various social service agencies in Omaha, Council Bluffs, and around southwest Iowa. She was united in marriage to Dennis Fausett in 1973, and their son, Brian, was born on July 4, 1976. Their marriage ended in 1981 and in 1983, Martha and Brian returned to the Essex/Red Oak area, making it their home. Martha enjoyed attending Brian's various school activities, which included band, tennis and baseball. As he grew older, Martha enjoyed visiting him while he attended the University of Iowa, and at the various duty stations throughout his career in the Marine Corps. Martha enjoyed traveling, volunteer work, and live music, plays and musicals. She delighted in singing in her church choir, reading and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. Martha was an active member of Augustana Lutheran Church, Omaha, NE; P.E.O. Chapter HB of Red Oak, having served as president, and on the Red Oak Library Board & Library Foundation, along with many other area church and community events. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Martha is survived by her son, Brian & Rebecca Fausett, Stafford, VA; grandchildren: Trevor Fausett & Rees Fausett; brothers and sisters-in-law: Thomas & Karen Wenstrand, Mt. Pleasant, IA, and Peter & Dana Wenstrand, Essex, IA; nieces and spouses: Megan & Paul Jacobson, Fairfield, IA, and Marne & Anthony Lackman, McKinney, TX; nephew, Reed Wenstrand, Mt. Pleasant, IA; grand-nephews, Alex Lackman, Kohl Lackman and Cadon Jacobson; many other relatives and dear friends.

May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Augustana Lutheran Church, Omaha on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at 10:30 a.m.

Visitation with the family present at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. with formal sharing at 5:15 p.m.

Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.

At Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home, Red Oak, IA

Burial in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Nyman, IA

Pastor Jan Peterson, Officiating

Memorials may be directed to the Red Oak Public Library or Augustana Lutheran Church, 3647 Lafayette Avenue, Omaha, NE 68131

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.