Matthew James Martens, age 58, passed away peacefully at his home in Edina, Minnesota, on May 10, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy defined by his immense strength, kindness, and an unforgettable zest for life.

Matthew was born on April 27, 1968, in Iowa City, Iowa, to his loving parents, William Henry and Darlene Anne (Kraft) Martens. He grew up in Litchfield, Minnesota, where he was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in 1983 and graduated from Litchfield High School in 1986. 

Following his passion for hair design, he completed his studies at the Model College of Hair Design in St. Cloud, Minnesota. For over 30 years, Matthew shared his remarkable talents with the Rocco Altobelli Salon in Minnetonka and Edina, serving dedicatedly as both a Color Technician and Manager. Most recently, he achieved a dream of going out on his own, renting a creative space at the Merite House of Beauty in Minnetonka. Matthew was an incredibly gifted and passionate colorist whose amazing skills transformed not only his clients' hair but also their days.

Known for his enormous smile, Matthew had a rare gift for making everyone around him laugh. He brought joy, humor, and lightness wherever he went—often seen dancing, reciting his favorite movie quotes or walking through the salon singing. He also loved to travel, and sitting by a pool or relaxing on the beach was always his favorite place to be. He faced his battle with cancer with the same positive attitude, bravery, and fierce determination that characterized his entire life, never giving up the fight.

Throughout his journey, Matthew was profoundly grateful to God for granting him what he beautifully called "bonus time" to remain here and create priceless memories with those he held dearest. Matthew loved his family and friends fiercely. He loved his nieces, Leah and Morgan, exactly like they were his own daughters. He was incredibly proud of them and felt deeply blessed that he was able to see them both get married and start a family. Matthew also absolutely adored his three great-nephews, Riplee, Graham, and LeRoy, who brought immense light and joy to his life.

His radical kindness, generosity, and beautiful spirit will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Matthew was preceded in death by his beloved parents, William and Darlene Martens; his paternal grandparents, William and Bertha Martens; and his maternal grandparents, Wilhelm and Anne Kraft.

He is survived by his brother, Joel (Stephanie) Martens; and his sister Kristine (Ryan) Randt; his nieces; Leah (Robert) Vangsness and their sons Riplee and LeRoy; Morgan (Hunter) Daisy and their son Graham; Sarah (Claudia) Taylor and Helena (Destri) Adams and their children Emma, Ethan and Landon ; and nephew Isaac (Francey) Taylor. He also leaves behind his cherished chosen family, Corey, Patti, Bruce, Mara and a host of other friends, extended family members, and the countless clients and colleagues whose lives he touched so deeply.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026. A Reflective Service will begin at 4:00 PM at the Minnesota Cremation Society in Edina (7110 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435). Following the service, a reception to continue celebrating Matthew's life will take place from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Scoreboard Bar and Grill (5765 Sanibel Dr, Minnetonka, MN 55343).