Martin “Speck” Blass, age 101, of Early, IA, passed away at Twilight Acres Nursing Home in Wall Lake, on Monday, November 17, 2008.

Services will be 10:30 am Friday, November 21, 2008, at the United Methodist Church in Early, IA. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Farber and Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City.  Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service on Friday, at the United Methodist Church.

Martin Joseph Blass was born to George and Kathryn (Hoefling) Blass on November 14, 1907, in Sac County, Iowa. He was born in to a large family and had 8 brothers and sisters; Anna, Charles, Clara, Elmer, John, Leonard, Ione, and Eleanor.

He met and fell in love with Wilma Helena Hooper and they were joined in marriage on February 23, 1935, in Early, Iowa. They made their life in Sac City and Early where Speck was a farmer and also raised livestock. Their farming operation included cattle, hogs, and horses. This union was blessed with 4 boys; Joseph, James, Ted, and Timothy.

Martin was fortunate to live a long life and remained living independently until only his last few years. He enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, playing cards, reading, and following both college and pro sports.

Those left to cherish his memory are sons: James (Gloria) Blass, Sac City, IA; Tim Blass, Early, IA; daughters-in-law: Virginia Blass, Sac City, IA; Delores Blass, Shreveport, LA; grandchildren: Kellie (Kent) Highland, Sac City, IA; Matt Blass, Sac City, IA; granddaughter-in-law: Gale Blass, Sac City, IA; grandson-in-law: Dennis Perryman; great-grandchildren: Amy and Craig Blass, Sac City, IA; Jay and Jamie Highland, Sac City, IA; Bailey Blass, Lake City, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents George and Kathryn; his wife Wilma Blass on January 1, 2005; children: Joseph and Ted; grandchildren: Brian Blass, Jolene Blass Perryman, Ty Blass; siblings: Anna, Charles, Clara, Elmer, John, Leonard, Ione, Eleanor; father-in-law: Oscar Hooper; mother-in-law: Margaret (Huiseman) Hooper Bing; and brother-in-law: Franklin (Sonny) Hooper and wife Eunice.