Marta Ellen Romer, 88 of Maquoketa, Iowa passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at Jackson County Medical Center in Maquoketa.

Born August 17, 1937 in Readstown, Wisconsin to Charles Theron and Lois Ellen (Degarmo) Nicks. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin Platteville, that was at that time a teacher’s college. In her twenties she traveled through Europe and Asia. She often spoke of her experience seeing the Brandenburg Gate in Germany and how impactful it was for her at that time personally and politically. She also trained and obtained a pilot’s license.

Marta married Donald Burton Romer on July 31, 1971 in Viola, Wisconsin. She was an elementary teacher and helped Burton operate the farm just outside of Maquoketa, Iowa. In 1993 she retired from Andrew Community School District. As a parent and grandparent, she enjoyed attending school functions and sporting events.

Marta is survived by her son Todd (Ranae) Romer of Britt IA, her youngest brother Jerry (Jan) Nicks of Viroqua WI, her seven grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Marta is preceded in death by her parents, oldest brother Guy Nicks, middle brother Charles “Chuck” Nicks, daughter Christle Yates, and her husband Donald Burton Romer. She was a long-time member of the United Church of Christ serving on several committees.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2 P.M., Friday, September 5, 2025, at the United Church of Christ in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1 P.M. to 2 P.M. at the church.  Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to the United Church of Christ in Maquoketa.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.CarsonAndSon.com.