Through his entire life, Martin M. Head has dedicated most of his time and resources to a variety of activities and causes in the Imogene, Essex and Shenandoah areas that continue to be important today.
Born on July 19, 1905, to John J. and Catherine (O'Brien) Head, of Imogene, Martin went to Sunny Slope Country School, completed high school in Shenandoah, and studied at Iowa State College and was attending Creighton University when his father's illness called him home to operate the family's farm.
With the purchase of farmland northwest of Essex in 1928, Martin began farming on his own, building a home and farmstead from a cornfield. In 1931, he married Vivian Stooker of Nebraska City, and together worked to build a life with family that would take them through depressions, wars and enormous social and technological change.
Martin was on the leading edge when it came to accepting change in agriculture. Though he loved working with mules and horses, he understood the benefits of mechanization and adopting new practices.
One of the greatest causes was soil conservation. At a time when a farmer was judged by how straight his rows were, up and down a hill, Martin was among the first to begin "contour farming," a radical practice at that time, in an effort to slow and prevent the erosion of the fragile layer of topsoil on his farm. Neighbors and friends thought he had gone "nuts." But soon, along with adopting and demonstrating the practice on his own farm, he worked to promote the benefits of soil conservation to other farmers through his entire farming career.
His farm today, with its miles of terraces, tiles, plus conservation dams and waterways, is testimony to his commitment to soil conservation. For his work and dedication, he was recognized as the state's sixth winner of the Tom Powell Conservation Award.
A few of Martin's many other community activities include the following: Organization of area 4-H chapters and leader of Pierce Township; Director of the Essex Telephone Exchange; County Director of Goff Country School; Ration Board of WWII; Chairman Elect of Pierce Creek Watershed District; Chairman of the Shenandoah Farmer's Co-op Board of Directors; FarmMaster Gate Company Board of Directors; Shenandoah Adult Education School Council; fifty year shipper to Omaha Stockyards; member of the Elk's Club and Knights of Columbus; and active member of Farm Bureau. In 2003, he was recognized by the Governor's office for his many contributions to community service.
Precedin Martin in death were his parents, wife Vivian, a grandson Ed Rose; two sisters, Mary Durbin and Barbara Tutor; two brothers, Frank Head and John V. Head. Survivors include his children, Martie Marie Rose and husband Alan of Peabody, MA, Robert J. Head and wife Willow of Omaha, NE, Vivian Ann Wanetka and husband Maynard of Omaha, NE, John Martin of Essex, IA, James G. Head and wife Mary of Des Moines, IA; thirteen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren along with other relatives and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2006, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imogene. Celebrants were Rev. Kenneth Gross and Rev. James Kleffman. Lectors were Margaret Head and Kelly Head. Altar servers were Mary Harbor and Mariah Johnson. Vocalists were Ann Smith and Mike Crane. Presentation of roses was done by Martin's great grandchildren. Gift bearers were the great grandchildren. Attending the memory register were Colleen Biegger and Annette Wanek. Ministers of the Eucharist were Mary Head, Genene Fienup and Vaughn Livingston. Bell toller were Marty Laughlin and Bub Laughlin. Ushers were James Doyle and Jim Head. Casket bearers were Jay Early, Kathryn Head, Willow Head, Jim Wanek, Michael Wanetka and Scott Wanetka. Interment was in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Imogene. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah was in charge of the arrangements.