Martha Lillian Stiefel, 101, of Winthrop, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family.  Funeral Services were held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Church of Christ United in Winthrop, Iowa with Pastor Howard J. Stiefel and Reverend Vicki Engelmann officiating.  Interment was at Wilson Cemetery, Independence, Iowa. A Celebration of Life was held at Church of Christ United Fellowship Hall following the burial.
Memorials may be directed to the Independence Area Food Pantry.
Fawcett-Schmitz Funeral Home in Winthrop, Iowa is assisted the family.

Martha Lillian Lusk was born June 28, 1924, in her parent's home located in the Southwest part of Independence, Iowa, Buchanan County, the daughter of Orben Walter and Ethel (Pollard) Lusk. She graduated from East High School in Waterloo, Iowa with the class of 1942. On September 1, 1946, Martha was united in marriage to Harold John Stiefel, at the Presbyterian Parsonage in Waterloo, Iowa. Harold Preceded her in death on June 5, 2000. Martha and Harold shared 53 years together building a life centered on faith, hard work, family and a deep love for each other that has been admired by their children and entire family.

Martha enjoyed getting outside and helping Harold farm their century farms whether it be planting, harvesting, feeding cattle, pigs, etc., until they retired in Winthrop, Iowa in 1986. They created a lasting legacy of love, family, and cherished memories. There was no job too big or too small she couldn't do. Before marriage Martha worked at John Deere Tractor Works in Waterloo, Iowa. She is a member of Church of Christ United in Winthrop, Iowa.

Martha is survived by her 6 children:

Becky (Larry) Karsten of Independence, Iowa,
Howard Stiefel of Winthrop, Iowa,
Angela (Oscar) Pimentel of West Branch, Iowa,
Jeffrey (Carol) Stiefel of Winthrop, Iowa,
Ralph (Debra) Stiefel of Winthrop, Iowa and
Dennis (Dawn) Stiefel of Shellsburg, Iowa;
17 Grandchildren and their spouses;
3 Step Grandchildren;
47 Great Grandchildren with 7 having spouses;
14 Step Great Grandchildren;
6 Great Great Grandchildren;
3 Step Great Great Grandchildren and
Nephew: Dale (Nancy) Snyder of Hiawatha, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Harold; 2 brothers and their wives: Ernest and Yvonne Lusk and Robert and Ann Lusk; sister and her husband: Lois and Dale Snyder and granddaughter: Tina Stiefel.

Martha was a devoted mother, grandmother and friend who found her greatest joy in the company of her family. The entire family was always welcomed with open arms, lots of love, homemade chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon bread/rolls and hugs.

Martha believed in her Savior, Jesus Christ, and was a devoted follower who sent up many prayers for those in need and her family.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.