Marty Wallace, age 76, of Sibley, Iowa, passed away on August 15th, 2024, at Avera Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with his family by his side. Born on June 23rd, 1948, to Duane and Patricia Wallace and raised by Bill, Lillian and Sylva Wallace. Marty was the beloved husband of Marie Wallace. He is the cherished father of Lindsay Wallace, Kelsey Leaper (Greg) and Jillian Voss (Jeremy) and grandfather to Afton (Josh), Huxton, Keegan, Kasey, Gracyn, Grier, Toby, Malia, and Emmett.
Marty grew up in Milford, Iowa, and graduated from Milford High School, Class of ’66. He continued to earn his degree in education at Morningside College. He went on to receive his Master of Psychology from USD, along with many additional certifications to support his work in mental health. Stemming from those degrees, he was an 8th grade English teacher, K-8 Guidance Counselor, a therapist specializing in working with children, all while coaching basketball and running a successful photography business with Marie. He dedicated his life to helping others and making a lasting impact on all the lives that he touched.
In addition to his professional achievements, Marty will be remembered for his love of basketball, shopping, gardening, holiday décor, music/musical theater and his quick wit and humor. His daughters will remember fruit parties on the front porch, dancing in the kitchen, using too much gel when doing their hair, throwing extravagant birthday parties, and always showing us love and support.
His grandchildren will remember him for the fun that he brought to them. With hotel stays including scavenger hunts, crafts in the playhouse, basketball games, go-cart rides and of course, Papa’s Popcorn. His dog, Joey, will remember him for all the lawn mower rides and being his best friend.
Marty is survived by his wife of nearly 49 years, Marie. His three daughters, Lindsay, Kelsey and Jillian and their families. Two sisters, Kathy Peterson (Gary) and Hope McBride (Jim) and their families, and many in-law family members. He was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, his aunt and his mother and father in-law.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 18th, at The First Presbyterian Church in Sibley, IA. Visitation will be held,at 2 pm,with a service following at 3 pm. A private burial for the family will be held Monday, August 19th. Marty had left a request that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to set up a memorial scholarship that will support students entering the field of Psychology.
Arrangements are in the care of the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley, Iowa.
