Martin 'Mert' Toben, 77, of Akron, Iowa, passed away Thursday, January 18, 2024, at his home in Akron surrounded by his family.

Funerals service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Akron. Chris Driver will officiate. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Akron.  Visitation with the family present will be from noon until service time on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, and following the service during a reception, all at the funeral home. Arrangements are with the Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Akron, Iowa. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.

Martin Leroy Toben, the son of John G. and Gladys (Albright) Toben, was born on May 17, 1946, in Akron, Iowa. He grew up near Westfield and attended Toben Country School. He attended high school in Westfield.

Following his schooling, he worked various jobs. In his younger years, he enjoyed going to River Sioux to go roller skating and dancing. While spending time there, he met his future wife, Jo Ann Powell. They were united in marriage on May 21, 1965, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Akron. They lived on Toben family farm near Westfield where Martin farmed. After retiring from farming, he worked as a farm hand for local farmers and later, drove truck for Joe's Ready Mix in Akron until his retirement.  In 2020, they moved to Akron.

Mert was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Akron. Over the years, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and driving around the countryside. His greatest joy was his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of over 58 years, Jo Ann of Akron, IA; a son: Jeff (Sheri) Toben of Milford, IA, and their family: Kyler (Kassandra) Toben and their daughter, Aila; Sadie (Ben) Parks and their daughter, Oakley; and Sarah Toben (Donavon Daggett); a daughter: Kim (Rich) Davis of Akron, IA, and their family: Brandi (Cale) Banks and their children, Quincy, Crew, and one on the way; and Bailey Davis (Levi Quastad); his brother, Darrell (Joellen) Toben of Akron, IA; a sister, Joyce Hasenbank of Westfield, IA; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John G., and Gladys Toben; his parents in law, Beulah and Irv Cummings, and Ronald Powell; two brothers: Vernon in infancy and Dwight; and brother-in-law, Wilbur Hasenbank.