A. W. Martin

A. W. Martin

 

A.W. Martin, 95, of Fayette, died Saturday, December 25, 2021, at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church in Fayette with Rev. Jim Dale officiating. Graveside service with military rites will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday at Lima Cemetery, rural Wadena. Visitation will precede services at the Church on Sunday starting at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in A.W.’s name to the Salvation Army or a charity of the donor’s choice. Becker & Son Funeral Home in Fayette is assisting A.W.’s family. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com. 

A.W. Martin (Albert William) was born August 17, 1926, in Marion Township, Linn County, Iowa, the son of Albert William Martin, Sr. and Ida Marie (Neilson) Martin. He was the second child of the family with Louise three years older. His two brothers were Loyd, born 17 months later, and Paul born 16 months after Loyd. The three brothers were dressed alike and many people thought they were triplets.

From the age of 4 he knew he was born to be a farmer. He graduated from Alburnett High School in 1943 at the age of 16. On February 5th, 1945, he entered the United States Army and served in the Philippines as a Chief Clerk. He was discharged on December 11th, 1946, as a Sergeant. He came home to do what he was meant to do and farmed with his father and brothers.

In June of 1948, while playing on a team from Alburnett in a Softball League in Marion, he went to coach third base. Sitting on the bank by 3rd base was a young lady that was to be his wife and companion, Jean Quinn. They were married May 29th, 1949. They lived very close to where he was born for eleven years in which time five children were born, Douglas, Dennis, Vicki, Debra, and Duane.

In 1960, they moved to a farm south of Fayette, Iowa. Their farms became known as Marland Farms. A.W. became well known as a Purebred Swine Producer. The herd is nationally known for production and a product of quality. The herd is the longest continuous Hampshire herd in the nation.

Besides farming, A.W. was a 4-H leader, School Board member, Republican Party County Chairman, a Certified Lay Leader for the United Methodist Church and served on many local and state church committees. He was proud to have served on the National Swine Registry Board for 6 years, one year as President, and on the Maple Crest Care Center Board where he helped it be built and it became an important part of Fayette.

A.W. is survived by his wife, Jean of Fayette; five children, Douglas (DeLois) Martin of Fayette, Dennis (Susan) Martin of Fayette, Vicki (Randy) Klein of Mission, South Dakota, Debra (Rodney) Feddersen of Winona, Minnesota, and Duane (Karen) Martin of Fayette; eighteen grandchildren and their spouses for a total of thirty; twenty-nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother, Paul Martin and friend, Barb of Marion; sister-in-law, Lois Martin of Marion brother-in-law, Bob (Ann) Quinn of Bellport, New York; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Loren in infancy and Loyd; sister, Louise and her husband, Ralph Blackford; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Martin.

Rate this article: 
No votes yet
Comment Here