Jeffery "Jeff" Martin

Jeffery Arthur Martin passed away, peacefully and embraced in love, at his home Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, due to the debilitating effects of ALS.

Jeff was born Jan. 23, 1949, in Minneapolis. He was the first of seven children born to Kenneth and Gloria (Torseth) Martin and was baptized in Pierre, SD, at First Baptist Church at the age of 13.

Jeff married Elizabeth Donahue with whom he had two daughters, Heather and Jennifer. Jeff later remarried and shared his life with Sheila Hammer, with whom he had two children, Nichole and Joshua.

Throughout his years, Jeff embraced a love for many things including hockey, classic cars, fishing, traveling and family time. He worked as a long-time mechanic and manager for Kmart Corporation and later MN Supply Company.

In his retired years he let his artistic side flourish, creating and sharing many beautiful works of art and taking time to enjoy his love for classic cars with a 1950 Ford Shoebox that he shared with his son. Jeff found work at Laporte School as a part-time custodian and through a small personal lawn care business, eventually retiring for a total of four different times.

Jeff's family was his greatest pride and joy, and he was able to share many wonderful moments with them through his love of lake life on Garfield Lake in Laporte. It was at this property that Jeff got to live out his favorite parts of family life, teaching grandkids to fish, engaging in yard games and water play of all varieties, and hosting many of his favorite people for events like annual Fourth of July fish fries and New Year's celebrations.

Although ALS forced Jeff's physical form to leave our world sooner than hoped, his spirit will live on through the love, respect, goodwill, kindness, hospitality and humor he shared freely with all.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Gloria Martin; two sisters, Joy Brown and Joan Kirk; and brother James Martin.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Sheila (Hammer) Martin; children Heather Martin, Jennifer (Wayne) Weltzin, Nichole (Dennis) Abernathy and Josh (Mary) Martin; nine beloved grandchildren, Zachary, Mackenzie, Caden, Isaiah, Nolan, Brendan, Adelyn, Kasey and Leonna; two sisters, Jerri (Tom) Sloan and Jill Whetstone; and one brother, Jessie Martin.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church of Laporte at 1 p.m. Sept. 20. Join the family for a meal and fellowship following the service in the church's fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages gifts to be directed to St Joseph's Hospice Care of Park Rapids or the ALS Association.

Jeff's care has been entrusted to the Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker.