Penwell Turner Funeral Home - Shelby, Ohio

Martin David “Marty” Yetzer

Martin David “Marty” Yetzer, age 48, also known to his high school friends as Luther, passed away at his home in Columbus, Ohio on Sunday, October 29, 2017.

Marty was born in Shelby, Ohio on March 9, 1969 to Marlene J. (Shedenhelm) and David J. Yetzer. He was the only boy surrounded by 3 sisters. Marty always noticed a great pair of shoes which he attributed to his siblings’ influence. Marty attended St. Mary’s for elementary school and graduated from Shelby Senior High School in 1987 with honors. He also played football and tennis. So many of his classmates have stated no one could ever forget Marty once you met him. These classmates are still some of his closest friends today.

Marty touched so many lives and was a friend to everyone. After high school, Marty attended The Ohio State University where he fell in love with the hospitality industry. He loved working behind the bar where everyone knew his name and he knew yours. Marty “held court” on High Street where he eventually owned Co-eds, one the campus bars, at the young age of 22. He left Columbus to work in the famous French Quarters of New Orleans at Howl at the Moon. Marty’s mission in life was taking care of people. He loved his time and friends in New Orleans, but Marty missed the Midwest. He moved to Chicago, then Cleveland, followed by Detroit, managing a couple of national restaurant chains, before returning to Columbus so he could be close to his family.

Marty didn’t make new friends – he collected them. People flocked to that easy smile and gregarious personality with a bear hug like no other. The common theme throughout the discussion of his life is that he had the biggest heart and gentle way about him that made others feel at home. He worked hard to see others happy. Marty’s friends were also his family and he treated them as such.

He was formerly the General Manager at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse at Tuttle Crossing and was currently the Manager at Chili’s Grill and Bar Restaurant on Dublin-Granville Road.
Marty was a business man. He was the owner of Buckeye Power Washing working long hours to fulfill his commitments. When he wasn’t working, he spent time perfecting his home, taking pictures floating in his pool, or making sure his house was decorated just right for any holiday. He was a Buckeyes and Blue Jackets fan through and through. He enjoyed golfing in his free time.

Marty is survived by: his father: David J. Yetzer of Shelby; 3 sisters: Kathleen Yetzer Cyphert of Washington, DC, Elaine (Mark) Fagan of Shelby, Linda (Joe) Burke of Cincinnati; 3 nephews: John Cyphert of Madison, Wisconsin, CJ Fagan of Shelby and Joseph Burke of Cincinnati; and family friend: Mike Cyphert.
He was preceded in death by his beloved mother: Marlene J. Yetzer in 2013; paternal grandparents: Joseph and Catharine Yetzer; and maternal grandparents: Robert and Vera Shedenhelm.

Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, November 2, 2017, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where a Christian Wake Services will be held at 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, November 3, 2017 at 10:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 26 West Street, Shelby, with Fr. Chris Mileski celebrating. Burial will follow in Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial expressions may be made to Shelby Athletic Boosters. To leave a message of sympathy or to share a memory with the Yetzer family, please visit: penwellturner.com

Memories & Condolence

  1. Margie Hoover says:

    So very sorry for the loss of Marty. He was a great guy and friend to all. your family has my deepest sympathy. Hugs and prayers to you all.

  2. Monica Jenney says:

    My deepest sympathy to you all. I didn’t know Marty well but always heard the same words from everyone about him, they loved him and he was a great friend. This obituary perfectly describes him. It is very touching made me cry. May your memories warm your heart and ease your mind as you continue on. Elaine if you need anything at all please don’t hesitate to reach out. Praying for you all and all of his many many friends thru this difficult time.

    Monica Jenney

  3. Barbara Kaple says:

    Elaine, Mark and CJ – Jan and I are so sorry to learn of the passing of Marty. I did not know him but it sounds like he was an amazing man with a heart of gold. I know he will be dearly missed.
    Barb & Jan Kaple

  4. Joe Stepp says:

    This guy had the biggest heart of anybody I could ever imagine. I am truly going to miss him, especially when I go to those restaurants again. He was extremely generous to me and I enjoyed hanging out with him in our high school years. My deepest condolences to all of the family!

  5. Delores Hively says:

    Martykins- you were the biggest teddy bear and one of the kindest souls I ever met. You were the best boss and friend a girl could ever ask for. I will miss you more than words can say and will always be grateful for treating my friends and I like your little sisters and always watching out for us. You were a true gentlemen who loved to be surrounded by pretty ladies, but treated everyone with respect. Sending you lots of love and a big bear hug! XOXO

  6. Jennifer Guisinger Schroeder says:

    My thoughts are with you all. Luther was older than me but he was always so sweet when he would come into Napoli’s back in our high school days. RIH ❤️

  7. Mike &Darlene Zappa says:

    My deepest sympathy! There are simply no words to express how deeply sorry I am for the wonderful family & friends! May God strengthen you! Love & Prayers to all!

  8. Bill and Janet Kehres says:

    We all will remember “the days” when you neighbor boys found fun when school was not in session because of the weather. You boys found enough fun for several days. Lots of good memories!
    Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Yetzer family! May God be with you.

  9. Jean Ann Fairchild says:

    Dear Neighbor and Friend, No words can make you feel alright, at this time. I hope you feel God’s arms wrapped around you, and that it will create a calm within you. Remember all the good times, and let go of anything else. It should make all of us know that when we lose a brother or sister, that it truly is in God’s Hand. Prayers for you and all of your family. God bless YOU today.

  10. Teresa Chapman says:

    My condolences to the family and you are in my thoughts and prayers and Marty you will be missed

  11. Ann Imhoff says:

    Dave and family
    So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for all
    Ann Imhoff

  12. Allison Razza says:

    I am sorry for your loss. I only knew Luther for a short time way back 91-92. I met him while I was on spring break with some friends in Daytona Beach. We had a blast and shortly thereafter he and his friends talked me into applying to college at Ohio State. He always made you feel welcome and always had a smile on his face. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

  13. Mary Rodriguez says:

    Elaine, so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your entire family in my prayers. Hugs!

  14. Eva says:

    So sorry for your loss Marty had one of the best hearts anyone could have he was an Angel on earth.

  15. Ed Russell says:

    I did not know Marty but I know many people who did. They held him in great esteem and I have seen and heard so many comments about what a great person he was. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

  16. Eileen Thurman Sullivan says:

    I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your son, Dave. You and your family are staying close in my prayers.

  17. Monica Gayheart Shuster says:

    Praying for peace in your time of sorrow. He will be missed.

  18. Amanda Bushey says:

    Elaine, so sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Xoxo

  19. Andrea Miller says:

    To all of Marty’s family my sincere sympathy to all of you. “Luther” will be forever in my heart and mind and will be missed by so many of us privileged enough to meet and “chat” with him. Heaven is a brighter place with him in it. May the next coming days and weeks bring peace to each and everyone of you. One of the good ones is certainly gone and will be missed forever.
    God bless you all.

  20. Ken Gustafson says:

    Most folks know Marty from his days in Ohio. A lot of us know Marty from his days in New Orleans. I worked with Marty at Howl at the Moon on Bourbon Street. He was the General manager and I was the Entertainment director. Marty was the spiritual center of that establishment. He was the grown up holding our little bar family together. He was the big brother and protector of all of our female staff. He was a great drinking/cigar buddy to the dudes. Here are a few of my favorite Marty stories.
    Whenever I would play “Piano Man” by Billy Joel, when I would get to the 3rd verse of the song, if Marty was in the room, I would point him out to the audience, “hey everyone, that’s our manager Marty” then I would sing the third verse…”It’s a pretty good crowd for a Saturday, and the manager gives me a smile”… Everyone would turn and look at Marty and he would filp me a middle finger with a big grin on his face. It always got a laugh!!
    One year, during Mardis Gras, someone gave Marty a crown to wear and I declared that in our bar, Howl at the Moon, we were not celebrating Mardis Gras…We were celebrating “Marty Gras” and Marty was the king of our Krewe
    Marty only spent a few years in New Orleans, but he was one of the most beloved bar managers in the French Quarter and I am proud to have counted him as part of my Howl at the Moon family. I am gonna miss you Martimus Gordon

  21. Ron and Susan Keiser says:

    We are so very saddened about the passing of Marty.
    Our thoughts and prayers surround all of you…please know we holding you in our thoughts and prayers.
    Let your memories of Marty comfort you during the days and months ahead. Life will never be same without him…but know that we will never forget him.
    With our Love and Friendship
    Ron and Susan Keiser
    Knoxville, TN

  22. Kenny and Gina Cooper says:

    David,
    I am very sorry for your loss, I am also sorry that I cannot be there for you in this tuff time. Gina and I want you to know that you and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Your friend and Brother
    Kenneth Cooper

  23. Lisa Wade Unangst says:

    My deepest sympathy and prayers. Rest In Peace Marty.

Leave a Reply to Allison Razza

 

Condolence