Martha Eleanor Ockerman, age 94, of West Branch, Michigan, passed away on September 15, 2023. She was born on November 1, 1928, in Gladwin, Michigan, to the late Alfred and Marie (Adams) Endert. Martha was proud of her heritage and was known for her hardworking nature and caring personality. She was a wonderful grandma who cherished her family dearly.
After graduating from Gladwin High School, Martha began her career at the Gordon Smith Agency, where she worked on abstracts, insurance, and legal documents. On November 6, 1948, she married Derwood Ockerman at Zion Lutheran Church in Oberlin, MI. Martha later worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and retired in 1988 after 22 years of dedicated service. Martha lived in West Branch for 27 years, previously residing in Nokomis, FL, and Gladwin.
Martha enjoyed golfing, tennis, and traveling the world in her motor home. She was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church.
Martha is survived by her children, Marvin (Pam) Ockerman of West Branch and Debra (Charles) Grabow of Palmetto, FL. She is also survived by her 3 grandchildren, Jennifer Cameron, Jamie (Lacey) Cameron, and Travis (Christen) Ockerman, as well as her 6 great-grandchildren, Isabella, Haley, Lance, Brittney, Rayleigh, and Westyn. Martha is also survived by her sister, Aldena Esiline of Gladwin.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Derwood Ockerman in 2018, her son Dr. Bruce Ockerman, her grandson Jeff Cameron, her brother Alfred Endert, and her sisters Lorraine Banchoff, Agnes Gates, Gertrude Lemke, and Genevieve Yager.
Visitation for Martha will be held at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch on Thursday, September 21, 2023, from 4-7 PM. The funeral service will take place at St. John Lutheran Church on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 11:00 AM, with visitation prior from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Burial will follow at Ridge Cemetery in Gladwin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. John Lutheran Church.
Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch handled the arrangements.
