Martin “Marty” R. Wells of Lincoln, NE, 61 years old, beloved son, brother, husband, father, and mentor.

Preceded in death by father, Willard J. “Jim” Wells and brother Steven.

Survived by wife, Carol; children, Asher Wells and James Wells; mother, Paula B. Wells; brothers, Douglas Wells, Dan Wells, Cameron Wells, Thomas Wells, M. Abraham Wells, Turner Wells, and Evan Wells; sisters, Kim Larsen, Tracy Stuehm, Alison Kleinsasser, Devon Barlow, Andrea Cole, Beth Brusca, Marissa Wells, Rebecca Wells, and Christina Wells; and numerous nieces and nephews.

While getting his bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Martin met his wife. He put himself through school by cooking at several of Lincoln’s fine restaurants, which started a life-long love of cooking and gourmet food.

In the 1980’s, Martin volunteered at KZUM community radio, which began a long career in public radio as an award-winning journalist and Morning Edition host. He worked at KUCV/NPRN/NET (now known as Nebraska Public Media), KIWR in Council Bluffs IA, and WHYY in Philadelphia PA. While he never directly used the teaching degree he studied in college, he continued his love of teaching by mentoring many radio journalists over the years and by volunteering with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. We now consider his “little brother” Eric to be part of our extended family.

In 2001 and 2004, Martin and Carol traveled to China to adopt Asher and James respectively. 

In 2010, he and his wife started The Saucy Cook, a gourmet grocery, combining his loves of food and teaching. While the business sadly didn’t last long, it did point out his customer service skills, which he put to use at several retail establishments, including a number of years at Hy-Vee grocery stores.

Memorial service will be held at 10:30 A.M., Friday, May 6, 2022, at First-Plymouth Church, 2000 D St, Lincoln, NE.

Memorial donations may be given to Big Brothers/Big Sisters.