Dr. Harvey A. Martens, 84, passed away on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at Taylor Hospice House in Des Moines. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m, Saturday, May 12, 2012 at Iles Funeral Homes Westover Chapel. Private burial will be at a later date at the LeSueur Cemetery in Bancroft, South Dakota. His family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.Harvey was born on the family farm, March 19, 1928 in Bancroft, South Dakota, the son of Henry and Anna (Naeve) Martens. He served for two years in the US Army and for many years in the Army Reserves, where he retired as a Lt. Colonel. He worked in Washington D.C. for the Departments of Agriculture and Navy and obtained his PhD in Public Administration from Syracuse University. He worked in Administrative positions at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Drake University and Des Moines University, from where he retired in 1993. Following retirement, Harvey was very active in local political and civic causes, including Older Iowan Legislature, PEER Group, and was a senior advisor for Polk County. Harvey was the author and main proponent of the property tax reduction bill for seniors. He was a member of the Des Moines Wine Club, the Torch Club, International Friendship Force, Masons and the Humanist Society. He was also a member of the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines where he organized summer patio services. Harvey and his wife, Yuhua were often spotted at the Des Moines Symphony, the Dahl's Breakfast Group and the Northwest Senior Center. Harvey is survived by his wife, Yuhua; sons, Craig (Rebecca) Martens, Eric (Susan) Martens and Douglas Martens; two grandsons, Andy and Billy; his sister, Maxine Raabe of Huron, SD and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Myrna Sprang, Ella Bestge, Anita Swanson, Marvin Martens, Reimer Martens and Alvin Martens, and his first wife, Barbara Colwell Martens. Memorial contributions may be directed to First Unitarian Church or the Northwest Senior Center. ~ Iles Funeral Homes ~ Westover Chapel