Martha Hamdorf, proudly reaching the age of 103 and a half, died November 15th, 2023 at McDowell Village in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Martha Henrietta Kuehn was born May 7th, 1920 on the family farm in Washington Township, rural Le Mars, Iowa to Fred and Anna (Draheim) Kuehn. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith on August 8th, 1920. She was later confirmed on March 25th, 1934 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Johnson Township, Iowa. She was resilient, overcoming many hardships in life starting with a heart condition as a child that thankfully resolved on its own. Even living through the Great Depression, even though her family was blessed in that season. As a young girl she loved to climb apple trees and work in the garden. Martha attended a country school through 8th grade and later earned her high school diploma through a correspondence program. On the farm Martha could be seen driving a team of horses through the fields and later tractors. Martha had a spirit of adventure that unfolded in her decisions in life. She became a dental assistant and was proud to have a good job to provide for herself.

Martha was united in Marriage to Harry Henry Hamdorf on November 17, 1953 at St. John's Lutheran, LeMars, Iowa. She moved across the state to Lowden, Iowa, where Harry lived and they farmed together on their homestead. Gail Ann was born February 11th, 1956. Living an active life in their community Martha sang in the Choir and had a beautiful alto voice. The Hamdorf's hosted lots of fish fry gatherings cooking from Martha's 1953 GE Stove deep fryer. She always produced an abundant garden overflowing with food and flowers. Unfortunately, tragedy struck as her husband Harry passed away on July 10th, 1971. Martha was resilient, continuing to work hard providing for her and Gail. After Gail graduated high school, Martha continued to live a life of adventure. Going on bus tours throughout the USA with friends, exploring our country. She always remained active in her community, singing in the Choir at Trinity Lutheran, playing cards with the ladies, and sewing. Martha was known for small, even hand stitches in creating masterpiece quilts. Martha is a breast cancer survivor, another testament to her resilience.

In 1980, Gail married Dr. Drew Peterson and they moved to Arizona where they had 3 children (Andrew, Simon, & Ethan). Martha would "Winter" in Phoenix, AZ each year staying with Gail and the family. There would be a quilt on the frame, and Martha would spend her days helping around the home. There are many memories of playing "I spy" with grandma and helping decorate cakes for Boy Scouts. The family enjoyed dinners together, even using the same vintage stove from the farm in Iowa to make Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches and hand battered Onion Rings. Gail's family made many trips to visit Martha in Iowa, making memories by visiting the farm and playing with vintage toys. Martha was diligent in running and managing the farm to be able to pass along to the next generation. She was proud of all she worked for and accomplished in life.

She made the decision in May of 2006 to move closer to family in Arizona. Martha was one of the first residents to move into McDowell Village in Scottsdale. She promptly joined their first choir and enjoyed spending time with her circle of friends. The workers described her as feisty and strong, yet she was endearingly referred to as "Grandma Martha". She would joyfully welcome team members into her home to "visit". She was known by the staff to hide cookies throughout the apartment, Martha loved her cookies. Martha took care wanting to know each name and resident living there at the McDowell Village. As great-grandchildren arrived, she delighted in watching them grow. She turned 100 the same year the youngest great-grandchild was born.

Martha could be described as Adventurous, Proud, Resilient, and Strong. She was a hard worker, with high standards. It came as no surprise that Martha was feisty, freely sharing her opinions with those around her. She was loyal, and full of life! She was an independent woman who did not like to receive help, as she was a very capable woman. Her mind stayed sharp, and she ran her business and home with dignity and integrity.

Martha was committed to her faith which brought her through the myriads of hardships she endured. She was able to remain courageous with a "never quit" mentality. Her Bible left us with encouragement, by way of bookmarks spread throughout. One bookmark was on Proverbs 3 with verses 5-6 underlined "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight". Her Bible is also marked in Matthew 6 where the Lord's prayer is found which was a source of hope to Martha. She was a staple in her community whether she lived in Arizona or Iowa. May people continue to talk about the legacy she leaves.

Martha is survived by her daughter, Gail Peterson and her husband Drew; three grandsons, Andrew and his wife Melissa, Simon and his wife Andrea, and Ethan; six great grandchildren Micah, Abigail, and Madilyn (Andrew & Melissa), Karley, Kaitlyn, and Emilia (Simon & Andrea). Her nephew Dean Varenhorst, niece Barb Temple-Hage, and niece Vickie Rutherford.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Anna (Draheim) Kuehn, husband Harry, a brother, Caryl Kuehn, foster sister Helen Varenhorst, and sister Katherine 'Sis' Varenhorst.

Funeral services will be Wednesday November 22nd, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowden, Iowa. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until service time at the church. Private Family Interment to follow.

A Remembrance for Martha will be held at McDowell Village, Scottsdale, Az at a later date.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through donations either to Trinity Lutheran Church Ladies Aid, Lowden or to Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix at www.orpheus.org where her son-in law Drew is a chorus member.