Martha J. Zimmerman, age 95, of Cascade, IA, completed her earthly journey on May 1, 2024, at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade.  To honor Martha’s life, her Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00-6:00 p.m., on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Backpocket Brewery, 333 East 10^th Street in Dubuque.  A private family burial will be held in the Asbury Cemetery in Asbury, IA.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Martha’s family.

Martha was born on March 5, 1929, in Savanna, IL, a daughter to Laird and Pansy (Ray) Castle.  She was gifted with a straight shooter personality which she carried proudly throughout her entire life.  Martha was primarily a housewife and a wonderful mother at heart, but did find time to work outside of the home in a few different avenues.  She was the Secretary of the Corporation for her husband, Robert’s business, Carroll County Auto Sales for many years, but also enjoyed working as a hostess at the Ramada Inn as well.  Martha also enjoyed her adventure as a personal assistant to hypnotist Jim Wand and as a co-owner of the Bottom’s Up Tavern in Dubuque.  Her greatest joy in the working world though was surely her stent from 1996-2000 as the manager of the family business, Cash Quick America.  But truly, Martha enjoyed visiting with folks wherever the day took her, always carrying her red hair which matched her personality with pride, and in her later years sporting her newest hat to add to her collection.  Anyone who knew Martha learned very quickly that you would never have to wonder what she was thinking.  Her ability to speak directly to the matter at hand was unwavering and relentless when necessary.  Martha thankfully leaves behind a treasure trove of memories for all who came into her world to remember and lean into during the difficult days ahead and for that we are forever grateful.  Thank you, Martha, for never leaving them guessing, always adding personality to every room you ventured into and for sharing our love, lessons, and light with all who were fortunate enough to know and love you.  We will miss you until we meet again and hope you are enjoying peace now from your earthly battles which you fought so bravely.    

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Martha include,

her two daughters,

Wendy (Tom) Wagner Bahl, Cape Coral, FL,

and Heidi Wagner, North Fort Myers, FL;

her five grandchildren,

Jeramy (Jen) Hennessy,

Hollie (Nicholas) Levis,

Robert ( Theresa) Wagner,

Rachel (Timothy) Honquest,

and Raegen (Brian) Weins;

her seven great-grandchildren;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents; the father of her children, Robert L. Wagner; two daughters, Roxanne Elliott and Vicky Wagner; and her grandson, Rorrie Kramer.

Martha’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Shady Rest Care Center and Above and Beyond Hospice for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Martha’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com