Susan Eileen (Ekstrom) Martinsen

Susan Eileen Martinsen, 69 of La Porte, Indiana passed away Thursday, October 30, 2025 at home. She was born on June 22, 1956 in Streator, Illinois to the late Robert and Zelma (Hansen) Ekstrom.

Susan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Management from Elmhurst College in 1980. She went on to earn an MBA from Aurora University in 1992. Susan began her career as an accountant and contract negotiator at Motorola in Schaumburg, Illinois, and then was employed with US Wholesale Pipe & Title in Tampa, Florida, and lastly with Kloeckner Metals Corporation in Tampa, Florida.

On June 28, 1986 Susan married Kevin Martinsen who preceded her in death on March 1, 2022.

Surviving are her brothers-in-law, Scott (Beverly) Martinsen of La Porte, Greg (Carolyn Grisko) Martinsen of Chicago; nieces and nephews, Joseph (Jackie) Martinsen of Carmel, Indiana, Meghan Jongkind of La Porte, Valerie (Jason) Seifert of La Porte, Benjamin (Alex) Martinsen of La Porte, Tod (Jessica) Martinsen of Arlington Heights, Illinois, Jason (Adrienne) Martinsen of Arlington Heights, Illinois; cousins, Mary Beth Averweg and Jane Amber; a sister, Nancy Murphy; her special friend, Robert Kumpfer of La Porte; and several great nieces and nephews and other family.

Sue loved being on and around the water. She loved animals, especially her dogs - from Sparky and Alex until Abby, Bailey and Haley. While living in the Chicago suburbs, Odessa, Florida and in LaPorte, she and her late husband fostered over 200 dogs and cats.

A Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 7, 2025 at The Presbyterian Church of La Porte, 307 Kingsbury Avenue, La Porte, Indiana, where friends may visit one hour prior to the services in the church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel in La Porte.

Memorial contributions may be made to the La Porte County Animal Control & The Jane Bernard Animal Adoption Center, 2855 IN-2, La Porte, Indiana 46350.

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