Died Thursday, July 16, 2026 at Dunklau Gardens in Fremont.
He was born on October 16, 1945, in Fremont, where he lived his entire life. A proud graduate of Fremont Public Schools, Yogi went on to earn his degree in Education from Midland Lutheran College and later received his master's degree in education from the University of Nebraska Omaha.
Yogi had a gift for teaching, creating, and helping others. He began his career teaching 6th grade for Valley Public Schools, where he would spend 30 years inspiring students. He was known as the teacher who made science exciting - especially through his memorable experiments. During his years at Valley, he met his wife, Candace ''Candy'' Martin, and they were married in 1973. After retiring, he continued doing upholstery work and helping friends, but his love for teaching eventually brought him back to the classroom. He later taught middle school science for another 10 years with Fremont Public Schools.
Scouting was one of Yogi's greatest lifelong commitments. He recently received his 70-year service pin from the Boy Scouts of America, a reflection of his decades of dedication. Over the years, he helped scouts earn hundreds - if not thousands - of merit badges and supported many young men as they worked toward earning their Eagle Scout Award.
Yogi was a master craftsman in upholstery, a skill he learned as a teenager from his father. If something had fabric, he could replace it; if something needed fabric, he could add it. His talent, patience, and attention to detail were evident in everything he created.
Basketball was also an important part of Yogi's life. When he wasn't teaching, he could often be found in a gym coaching. He coached at Valley for many years, later coached his daughter's select team, and also coached a boys' select team.
Yogi took great pride in his lawn and flower gardens, and he treasured time spent with family and friends. He especially loved watching his grandsons, Taigan Kloster and Braydan Kloster, participate in their activities through the years.
He is survived by his wife, Candace Martin; his children, Shane Martin and his wife Jill Martin of Waukesha, Wisconsin, Shelly Kloster and her husband TJ Kloster of Bennington, Nebraska; and further survived by son James Martin of Louisiana. He is cherished by his grandsons, Taigan Kloster and Braydan Kloster.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Qwendolyn W M Betkie and Ogden Lee Martin, Sr.; and his siblings, John Martin, Robert ''Buzz'' Martin, Paul Martin, and Kay Nicholaison.
Yogi will be remembered for his dedication to education, his craftsmanship, his years of coaching, his extraordinary service to scouting, and the love he shared with his family, friends, students, and community.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church gymnasium from 4:00pm - 7:00pm. The family will hold a private interment at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Boy Scouts Troop #109 at Trinity Lutheran Church of Fremont. The Venmo link is https://venmo.com/u/Trinity-Troop. Or donations can be dropped off at Trinity Lutheran Church (Troop 109 - Yogi Martin Memorial). Through this support, Yogi's commitment to mentoring young people and building future leaders will continue for generations to come.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(14)
Kristi (Pfeiffer) Lawrence
Lincoln, NE Monday, August 3, 2026 My deepest condolences to your family. I had a lot of fun with Yogi when I was in high school with Shelley. Yogi was always a great supporter and cheerleader. I have fond memories of him and your entire family. I am sorry for your loss.Kelly Skinner
Fremont, NE Thursday, July 30, 2026 My deepest condolences. He was such a great teacher and mentor.Matt Ryan
Omaha, NE Wednesday, July 22, 2026 Condolences for your loss. I had many teachers throughout my years in school, and most were very passionate and had a gift for children. Mr. Martin was heads above the rest, of any teacher that I came in contact with. He genuinely cared about each of his students, and we were all blessed to have him in our lives. I can still remember some of the jokes he told to make us laugh. I still abide by his advice to set a goal for yourself and give yourself a little reward for achieving that goal, even something as small as a soda. Thank you for a life well lived Mr. Martin.Brenda Nickolaison
Salado, TX Tuesday, July 21, 2026 Prayers of comfort and peace to you all. You are missed by so many. What a legacy that you lived and left. Rip YogiTeeBAIN Goochie
Valley, NE Monday, July 20, 2026 Yogi martin was hands down probably the most intelligent human being I've ever met. His class was hard to pass and I actually didn't pass it.. he allowed me to move forward though because he said I was good enough at math to go. He inspired more than people know and is under the radar famous for reasons I can't fully disclose. A Good mason. Good person even though he was always brutally truthful and hurt feelings being honest. Truthfully the best teacher I had other then god and life and my grandmother. He really carved his name in the concrete of many students that'll live on forever he left a lot of good behind and that's what it's all about.Pat Weberg
Wausa, NE Monday, July 20, 2026 So sorry to hear about Yogi’s passing.Westarted teaching together at Valley and worked together for many years. Yogi was fun to be around and was an innovative and caring teacher. He will be remembered fondly! Prayers for Candy, his children and grandchildren. You are in my thoughts🙏🙏🙏
John Niemoth
Valley, NE Saturday, July 18, 2026 Many Memories and Fellowship with all Glory to Our Lord Jesus ChristEric Taylor
Fremont, NE Saturday, July 18, 2026 Shane, so sorry to hear about your dad. Always enjoyed visiting with him at the softball fields. A very positive person and ready to step in if somebody needed a player that night! Prayers to your family.Bob /Pat Stiefel
Valley, NE Saturday, July 18, 2026 Candy and family, Bob remembers all the fun hunting trips together. We always think of him as the "energy bunny". always busy and on the go. May you treasure many precious memories of himPat and Bob
Renee M Kay
Lincoln, NE Friday, July 17, 2026 Thanks Yogi!Tabie Yee-Fong
Fremont, NE Friday, July 17, 2026 My thoughts and prayers to all of you. We will miss Yogi. I'll always remember grading papers with you at school when I did school to career in high school.Kimberly Cassell (Chant)
Fremont, NE Friday, July 17, 2026 Mr Martin, where to begin.. You welcomed a scared little 5th grade girl to your science class back in 1982, with that 100 whatt smile and booming voice, you said WELCOME and showed me to an empty seat next to some girls I became great friends with... I will always remember that day and all the years since then. You were an AMAZING person a great teacher and above all my friend . I will miss you dearly old friend ill remember to STUDY STUDY SCIENCE.Pete Hines
Fremont, NE Friday, July 17, 2026 Yogi always had a smile on his face...good teacher and friend...knew him from college daysJohn Groh
North Bend, NE Friday, July 17, 2026 Yogi--I will always remember you as a tenacious catcher in PeeWee and Cookie league baseball in Fremont. You talked batters into swinging at bad pitches. Were all over the home plate and throws to third or first--you backed those up. What a spark plug you were. Us younger kids loved to see your unrelentless play. Now Play Ball! Sorry to hear of your passing.