Shirley Martin, 75

Shirley Ann Martin, 75, died Saturday, October 27, 2012.

Shirley was born in Clontarf on March 8, 1937 to Albert and Thilda (Erlandson) Boje. She was the youngest of five children. After her mother’s death in 1942, Shirley was placed in a number of foster homes. She eventually moved in with Bob and Arlene Jones near Benson, where she attended school in a one-room schoolhouse. Shirley lived with Bob and Arlene until she was 15. She left after Arlene passed away. Shirley then moved in with Earl and Muriel Bauman in Kerkhoven.

It was in Kerkhoven that she met Dave Martin when she was 16. Shirley graduated high school in Kerkhoven in 1955. She and Dave were united in marriage in 1955. On January 17, 1957 their oldest daughter, Jeanne, was born.

The Martin family moved around and finally settled in Alexandria in 1963. They began working at Martin’s Grocery, and later purchased the store from Dave’s parents. The Martin family adopted Joann on October 5, 1966. Shirley stayed home to take care of the kids, including the Treischel kids, until 1971.

Dave and Shirley moved to their home on Trinity Street in 1981, shortly after selling their store. Shirley began working at St. Luke’s Nursing Home in 1986. She worked there for more than 20 years.

Shirley was actively involved in her church as a Sunday school teacher and also working with AWANA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Kenny, Arlene, LeRoy and LaVerne.

She leaves behind her husband, Dave Martin; daughters, Jeanne Greenwaldt and husband, Ron and Joann Hoescher and husband, Kerry; grandchildren, Kendra, Christine and David; her great-grandchildren; and many friends.

Shirley will be missed.

A memorial service was held Thursday, November 1 at Alexandria Covenant Church. The Rev. John LeVahn officiated. Cindy Orn and Nancy Holm provided music. Enichement followed in the columbarium at Kinkead Cemetery.

All donations will go to the Children’s Home Society.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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