In loving memory of

Robert James Martin

March 12, 1926 - August 8, 2015
Robert James Martin

Robert James Martin

Born: March 12, 1926
Died: August 8, 2015
Age: 89
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Robert James Martin
Johnston, Iowa

 

Robert James Martin, age 89, died August 8, 2015 at Veterans Hospital in Des Moines.  Robert was born in Sac County on March 12, 1926, to Paul and Beulah Martin. He served in the U. S. Army during World War II.   Robert earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Iowa State College.  He married Eileen Marie Smith of Early in 1948.  They both taught in Aurelia before taking up farming.

Starting in 1953 Robert and Eileen farmed for many years south of Newell where they raised seven children, as well as corn, beans, cattle, and hogs.  Robert served the community in various offices, such as school board president, Farm Bureau president, lector and lay minister at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sac City.  The size and success of his farms pay tribute to his intelligence and skill as a farmer.  His favorite pastime was reading one or more of the many books and magazines piled neatly on his coffee table. He was a master bridge player, and threw himself wholeheartedly into the sport of golf during his retirement. He also enjoyed cribbage and euchre with his children and grandchildren.

Robert will be remembered for his strength of character.  He was a man of honesty and genuineness. He treated everyone fairly and respectfully.  He hated to give anyone a reason for pain. He crafted beautiful letters to friends, especially condolence letters, and he expressed his progressive political views passionately in eloquent essays.

Robert is survived by daughter Peg Martin (Erin Haafke, Erica Metzger and husband Eric and great grandson Calvin, Alexandria Haafke, Henri Haafke); daughter Pat Martin and husband Brad Mock (Marie Mock, Dan Mock); son Peter Martin; son Paul Martin and wife Sara (Jill Martin, Kyle Martin);  son Rusty Martin and wife Kay Meyer (Orion Martin, Claire Meyer, Neil Haglan, Kary Haglan, Jann Haglan and great granddaughter Alexis); daughter Rhonda Martin and husband Kevin Moran (Ethan Moran, Eileen Moran); son James Martin (Maxim Martin, Oskar Martin) and his sister Thelma Musselman. Robert was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Eileen (2013), as well as his mother and father, his brother Dick Martin and a host of other loved ones.

 

In lieu of flowers, should you wish to make a memorial contribution, please consider your local Library or the Iowa State University Foundation (Campus Landscape Donation Fund (Legacy Tree Program)).

           

Visitation will be held at the Farber and Otteman Funeral Home (1120 W. Main, Sac City) Tuesday, August 11 at 4:30 to 6:00 with a Vigil service from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, August 12 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sac City, with interment of ashes at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Early.  A celebration of life will be scheduled in Johnston, Iowa at a later date.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SERVICES
10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
St. Mary's Catholic Church
Sac City, Iowa
VISITATION
4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Farber & Otteman Funeral Home
Sac City, Iowa

Vigil prayer service 6:00-6:30 p.m.

Condolences

Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at 5:08 PM
“To the entire Martin Family,

Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your Father. From all James has shared with me about him and about who he was, and from having talked to him on the telephone and reading things he wrote , I felt I knew him quite well . So, like each of you, I appreciate how truly grand and inspiring a human being he was. The University's Tree Program, it seems, is a most fitting way to preserve the legacy of someone so close to the land and to our part of the world as he. May this living memorial, so at one with Nature, ensure that his memory long endure and be an ongoing reminder to all of how much he enhanced the lives and the world view of those who knew and loved him.
Sincerely,

Bill Hopkins
”
- Bill Hopkins
Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at 10:48 AM
“We enjoyed Bob and the family as neighbors in Newell. Later, he served on the Library Board, and I became re-acquainted. He was a Gentle-man and always willing to help and it was a pleasure to discuss the books with him. Our sincere sympathy.


”
- Larry and Nancy Domino
Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at 10:48 AM
“We want to extend our sincere sympathy to all of you. We have such fond memories of the Martin family and times spent together when we were in Newell. Morrie appreciated Bob's wisdom and support as a school board member during that time. We feel privileged to have had him as our friend. Sincerely, Morris and Dixie Smith”
- Morris and Dixie Smith
Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at 4:52 PM
“I was very sorry to read about Bob's passing - i was fortunate to have known him for the short period of time we (Right at Home) were helping the family - He was a very pleasant individual and I always enjoyed visiting with him. He will be missed!”
- Tony Vola
Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at 2:44 PM
“I would like To send my (as an individual and our as a family) our sincere and heartfelt sympathy, goodwill condolences and prayers to the Martins relatives , extended family members and good friends of Bob Martin and belated condolences on behalf of the passing on of Mrs Martin (Eileen) too previously in 2 013. I really appreciated the friendship of their son Paul growing up on the farm and casually socializing with the rest of the family. The Martins were and are one the best families from the Newell and Sac area. I really appreciate and respect their good christain catholic background too. May God richly bless all involved and attending services etc. too with His goodwill and peace from above. and share the Lords prayer together Amen. Take good care and God Bless. Sincerely, Brad Smith”
- Bradley S. Smith
Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at 2:44 PM
“WE RECEIVED A MEMORIAL FOR THE lIBRARY FROM Jim Albright of LYTTON. tHANK yOU ”
- Lytton Public Library
Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at 9:29 AM
“We are so sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed visiting with your Mom and Dad the few times we happened to be in Iowa. You will be in our prayers. We will make a donation in his memory to our local library. Blessings for peace to all of you.”
- Dick and Sharon Wyrick
Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at 9:29 AM
“Sending love and prayers to all of the Martin family!”
- Roger and Leasa Hrabe
Monday, August 10, 2015 at 2:26 PM
“I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your special family member. I have been a long time Friend of Erin and No how much she and others in the family loved and respected him. Please let me know if there is anything I can help with. My deepest condolences Phyllis Anderson”
- Phyllis Anderson
Monday, August 10, 2015 at 2:26 PM
“Pat, Brad, Dan, Marie and Martin Family,
We would like to send our heartfelt sympathy to each of you. The world has lost a very special man and you have lost a very special member of your family. The obituary was a beautiful tribute to the life and man that he was. Family was a very important part of his life and I know that he was very proud of each of you. He will ALWAYS live on in your hearts. I also know that you have wonderful memories. We hope that these memories, your faith and your love for each other will help you get through this painful and difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely
Steve and Carol (Nanny) Kinter

”
- Steve and Carol (Nanny) Kinter
Monday, August 10, 2015 at 2:26 PM
“Our deepest condolences to Pete and all of the Martin Family over the loss of your dear loved one. May God grant you all the peace of His Spirit during this difficult time. From all you friends here at the Wellmark YMCA.”
- Wellmark YMCA
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