A.W. Martin

A.W. MARTIN

Fayette

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

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 29, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church in Fayette, with the Rev. Jim Dale officiating. Graveside service with military rites will be held at 4 p.m. 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 Aug. 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 Feb. 5, 1945, he entered the U.s. Army and served in the Philippines as a chief clerk. He was discharged on Dec. 11, 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 third base was a young lady that was to be his wife and companion, Jean Quinn. They were married May 29, 1949. They lived very close to where he was born for 11 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 six 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, S.D., Debra (Rodney) Feddersen of Winona, Minn., and Duane (Karen) Martin of Fayette; 18 grandchildren and their spouses for a total of 30; 29 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, N.Y.; 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.