Michael L. Martinson, age 75, of
Emmons, MN, died unexpectedly on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at his home.
Per Mike's wishes, a private family service will be held at Schott Funeral Home-Mittelstadt Chapel, 902 E. Main St. in Lake Mills, with Pastor Bill Peters officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Emmons Louis Tveite Post #317.
Condolences may be sent to his family c/o Schott Funeral Home and they will be forwarded to his wife, Jane.
Michael Lynn Martinson was born on October 29, 1948 in
Albert Lea, Minnesota, the son of LeRoy and Mary "Betty" (Lair) Martinson. He attended and graduated from Emmons High School. Mike served his country during the Vietnam War from October of 1966 until May of 1969. He was honorably discharged as a decorated war veteran from the U.S. Army. He was a self-employed contractor who built many homes in his career, and he was fortunate to have a wonderful wife and loving family to spend his life with.
OK, now at this point Mike would say the obituary should end because all of the important facts have been mentioned. Sadly, he isn't here to make that call, and our family feels like adding a few more details about the man he was.
For starters, his witty, dry sense of humor caught the eye of Jane (Prokes) so many years ago, and the two were married on June 16, 1973 in
Twin Lakes, MN. They moved to Colorado where they made their home for 29 years, prior to moving back to
Emmons, Minnesota. Mike and Jane recently celebrated 50 years of marriage! Mike was a great man who loved fiercely, and worked hard to provide for his family.
Mike's nature was quiet, gentle and soft-spoken, but his strength and resiliency always hid under the surface. As a craftsman who was a perfectionist, the homes he built were truly beautiful. His took pride in his military service, but being a humble man, he never expected accolades. He led by example, and what he taught us was to be content with the simple joys in life: the love of family, an ice cold Old Crow & Coke. (And depending on the day, these three might be listed in a different order!)
Surviving are his wife Jane of
Emmons, MN; four children: Troy Martinson of
Oak Ridge, TN, Cory (Paula) Martinson of
Guthrie Center, IA, Matthew (Jami) Martinson of Fairbanks, AK, and Molly (Jason) Sykes of Monument, CO; 9 grandchildren: Courtney, Stephen, Shane, Andrew, Kaiden, Izzy, Jakob, Zackery and Abby; 12 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. His siblings are Mary Sorenson of
Lake Mills, IA, Dan (Becky) Martinson of Joice, IA, and Mark (Laurie) Martinson of
Eagan, MN; Jane's siblings: Cindra (Loren) Markeson of
Waseca, MN, and Terry Prokes of The Villages, FL; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents LeRoy and Betty Martinson; in-laws Ivan and Frances Prokes; sister Barb Vermedahl; brother-in-law Paul Sorenson; and sister- and brother-in-law Judy (Prokes) and Norman Dunker.
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