The Excelsior Standard, Jan. 30, 2026

Dennis Martens

God blessed Dennis Henry Martens and called him home to Heaven Jan. 23, 2026, to be with Jesus and his beloved wife Barryann, and to await the resurrection of the dead. Dennis was born July 11, 1942, in Breckenridge, Minn., to Andrew W. Martens and Violet A. (Hendrickson) Martens. He was raised on his family’s farm in Wilkin County, Minn., land homesteaded by his great-grandfather. An only child, Dennis learned early the values that would guide his life: hard work, selfreliance, responsibility and care for others. He often reflected that his father taught him how to be a man, his mother taught him how to be a gentleman and the farm taught him the value of work. Dennis attended a one-room rural schoolhouse through the eighth grade, later graduating from high school and earning a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering in 1964 from North Dakota State University. He went on to a long and distinguished engineering career that spanned more than five decades.

In 1972, Dennis married Barryann Marie Loots; and together, they built a life rooted in shared work, faith and family. They purchased and operated a working farm in Ray County, raising crops, cattle and hogs while maintaining professional careers in Kansas City.

They treated their five children, from earlier chapters of life, as if all had been born into their marriage, raising them with fairness, discipline and love.

Later, Dennis and Barryann moved to Lawson, where they made their home into retirement.

Dennis spent more than 25 years at Black & Veatch, where he was known for his technical mastery, judgment and integrity. Colleagues respected him for his ability to solve difficult problems calmly and thoroughly; many knew him by a nickname, “The Wizard.” After retiring in 2008, Dennis continued his professional career as a consultant and technical advisor for many years.

Dennis and Barryann were longtime members of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Excelsior Springs, where their faith shaped both their public and private lives. They enjoyed traveling the United States and Canada, often combining work and leisure, always side by side.

In addition to his wife Barryann, Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and other beloved family members.

He is survived by his five children: Timothy Loots of Kansas City, Mo.; Thomas Loots of Kansas City, Kan.; Kim Martens of Pella, Iowa; Kathy (Martens) Fields of Washington, Iowa; and Mike Martens of Leawood, Kan. Many grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and great-great-grandchildren also survive.

Dennis loved his family deeply and measured life not by accolades but by the responsibilities he quietly fulfilled. He demonstrated that anything worthwhile had to be earned through planning, patience and work.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband, a steady father, a thoughtful grandfather and a man whose integrity quietly guided everything he did.

A visitation will be held 8:30-10:00 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Excelsior Springs, with a service beginning at 10, followed immediately by burial at Hillcrest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either the Mount Calvary Lutheran Church or to the Lawson High School Robotics Club, in care of the Martens family.

Donations may be mailed to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church; 1215 Baldwin St.; Excelsior Springs, MO 64024. They also may be mailed to Michael Martens, Benefit of Lawson Robotics Club, c/o Bross & Spidle; 217 W. Broadway; Excelsior Springs, MO 64024.