Martha "Marty" Celmer

Martha “Marty” Celmer, age 89, of Yankton, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM, on March 28, 2025 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton with Reverend Thi Pham officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Yankton. Visitation is from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, on March 27 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a vigil service at 7:00 PM. Visitation also continues one hour prior to the funeral at the church.

Pallbearers are J.J. Bebout, Erik Celmer, Justin Gabbert, and Joseph Taylor.

Martha Ann Celmer was born September 26, 1935 in Ames, Iowa to George and Alice (Erickson) Peterson. She grew up north of Ames, attending Gilbert High School and then graduating from Ames High School. Marty then attended Iowa State University where she met her future husband, Larry Celmer, who was in Veterinary School. They were united in marriage on October 24, 1964 in Yankton, South Dakota. After their marriage, they moved to California and eventually settled in Rancho Palos Verdes in 1968. Marty was very organized and always prepared: a meticulous bookkeeper, great secretary, and real estate agent. Marty was active in St. John Fisher Parish Women’s Guilds and School, and also helped establish a women’s recovery home. In 1990, they retired and moved to Yankton. Marty was involved in several organizations in Yankton, especially the PEO Chapter. Marty loved to travel with cruising her absolute favorite. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed entertaining. Marty loved her family above all else. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandma and great grandma who was always so concerned about others before herself. She will be greatly missed.

Marty is survived by her husband, Larry Celmer of Yankton; two children, Lon (Sheridan) Celmer of Broomfield, CO and Kristen Celmer of Denver, CO; four grandchildren: Jeffrey James “J.J.” (Samantha) Bebout of Westminster, CO, Corryn (Justin) Gabbert of Pierre, SD, Erik Celmer of Erie, CO, and Joshua Boardman of Aspatria, England; two great grandchildren Roan and Oakes Bebout, with another on the way, and several nieces and nephews.

Marty was preceded in death by her parents and brother, George Peterson.

Memorial donations in Martha’s name may be made to the charity of your choice.