Kenneth G. Martin

Kenneth Martin, 65, life long resident of Hastings passed away on September 17, 2026, at Mary Lanning Healthcare after a brief illness related to complications from heart failure.

There will be no services, viewing, or visitation as cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Ken was born on January 27, 1961, to Darle and LaVada (Pat) Martin. A 1980 graduate of Hastings High School, he continued his education at both Central Community College and Hastings College. However, his interests were too varied to be restricted by the conventional forms of education.

Mr. Martin’s employment included production/factory work at places including Dutton-Lainson, Eagle Plastics, McCains Foods, and janitorial services at Allen’s, Hastings College and other area schools.

Moving to the original family home, Ken continued his enthusiasm for computer/internet/video gaming, music, books, movies, Ford pickups, motorcycles, and one Triumph TR7 sports car.

One of his more serious pastimes was the world of Anime and other Pop Culture comics, lots and lots of comics. He attended Comic Conventions and had a variety of figurines in his collection.

Ken’s grandparents had planted fruit trees in the back yard. Ken would climb ladders both short and tall to pick fruit as it came into season. He eventually shifted his efforts to traditional in ground gardening. In ground gardening was then replaced by container gardening on the sidewalk along the side of the house.

Animals in his life over the years included two large dogs. In more recent years in his running joke about animals was to avoid hitting a squirrel with your car no matter the risk. It would be a very serious crime against the universe for a not so obvious reason.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sister: Patti Martin; niece and nephews: Jessica, Cody, and Martin Pierce; cousins, friends, and neighbors.

He was an interesting and unique person that will be missed.