Katrena Martin

Katrena Kae (Kortz) Martin
May 7, 1962-August 13, 2025
Shenandoah, IA


Katrena Kae Martin, aged 63, passed away surrounded by loved ones on August 13, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska. Katrena was born on May 7, 1962, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the third of five children, to Darla and Leo Kortz. Affectionately known as “Kati”, she added an “e” to it in high school because she was tired of correcting people on the pronunciation. She spent her early years being “Katie” and went back to her formal name of “Katrena” later in life. Katrena’s big heart took the time and care to learn the details of everyone around her. She embodied love, light, and acceptance of everyone, especially her family, friends, children, and animals. She delighted in telling stories of her childhood.

Katrena was selfless with her time and energy. After graduating from Harper Creek High School in Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1980, Katrena worked as a waitress, cosmetologist, paralegal, seamstress, and veterinary technician. Anything she did, she took on with gusto and an abundance of empathy. If it were a pep talk that was needed, Katrena would happily provide it. She was generous beyond measure; if she had it, you had it.

Katrena married the love of her life, Paul Martin, on January 17th, 1996. Being Paul’s wife brought Katrena great joy, and she was very content supporting him in his military career that took them from Arizona, where she ran a restaurant on the military base called Mom’s, to Colorado, California, Illinois, Nebraska, and Iowa! She would tell anyone who would listen how handsome, kind, smart, and funny her husband was. They were each other’s very best friend. They enjoyed family life, laughing, and taking care of their beloved dogs Ace and Bella. Her devotion to Paul was fierce.

Katrena is survived by a plethora of loved ones who will miss her infinitely, including her children from her first marriage: Richard Shive, Grant (Brittany) Shive, Audrey Shive, and Adrian (Richard) McNees, as well as her two children of the heart, William Parker and Julio Lomeli. Katrena is also survived by four siblings: Lorena Sebright, Teri (Patrick) Duff, Leo (Teri) Kortz, and Bridget Halder, ten nieces & nephews, and eleven precious grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Darla and Leo Kortz; beloved brothers-in-law John Sebright and Randy Halder; and her favorite childhood dog, Andy.

Katrena was plain-spoken and never hesitated to call a spade a spade. She was known for being very knowledgeable about current events and was always an advocate for the rights of the vulnerable, especially the LGBTQ community. She was an anti-fascist through and through and never shied away from telling people that. Her compassion knew no bounds.

In lieu of a funeral or flowers, the family would like you to tell the best Kati/Katie/Katrena stories you can remember and make a donation to the ASPCA. Those commercials always got to her. May she be reunited with her parents and all of her beloved animals that crossed that Rainbow Bridge, surrounded by the love she freely gave others.