Sackett, Martin Matthew

Martin Matthew Sackett, 77, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha, surrounded by his family.

Survivors include his loving wife, Marcia; three sons, Mark, Mitchell and Monty (Kaylene) Sackett, all of Walker; grandchildren, Aaron and Ella Sherman of Walker, Jessica Sackett of Minneapolis, Minn., Morgan Sackett and friend Grant Kocer of Rochester, Minn., Martin Sackett II and friend Heather Dake, Madison Sackett of Walker and friend Kalli Wittenburg of Springville, Cody Sackett and friend Courtney Lappe and Chase Sackett of Walker; three great-grandchildren, Charli and Jake Sherman and Holden Drake; two former daughters-in-law, Sherry Sackett of Walker, and Robyn Sherman of Cedar Rapids; two sisters, Jennie (Frank) Smit of Palo, and Jean (Ron) Johnson of Atkins; two brothers, Norman (Zelda) Sackett of Center Point, and David (Helen) Sackett of Anamosa; two brothers-in-laws, Tommy Poyner of Cedar Rapids, and Otis Anderson of Ankeny; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister; Carol Poyner; a brother-in-law, Mick Hilleshiem; a sister-in-law, Delva Sackett; a nephew, Jeff Smith; and a very close friend; Phil Airy.

Martin was born on August 1, 1933, in Monticello, Iowa, the son of Roy and Ina (Winch) Sackett. He graduated from Urbana High School in the top 10 of his class. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1951, serving in Japan until his discharge in 1953. He was married to Marcia Anderson on March 24, 1957. He was a lifelong farmer for 53 years with his wife at his side.

He was the mayor of Sackettville, population 6, a member of the Hawkeye Antique Tractor Pullers, a 54 year member of the Walker American Legion, the Hawkeye Vintage Farm Machinery Association and a member of the Farm Bureau for 53 years. His interests were in stock car racing, tractor pulling, shopping for tires, checking for weeds in the fields and just driving around the neighborhood.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Walker United Methodist Church, Walker, where friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. until services Saturday. Burial will be in the Walker Cemetery, Walker.

The Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory of Independence is in charge of arrangements.

For more information or to leave an online condolence, please go to under obituaries.