Martin, Dr. Donald E.

Dr. Donald E. Martin, 83, of Vinton, died Friday, Oct. 29, 2010, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids following a brief illness. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 1, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vinton with Father Stephen Martin as celebrant. Visitation at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vinton will begin today, with a rosary from 3:30 to 4 p.m. and end with a Scripture service at 8 p.m., led by Sister Mary Hargrafen. Those not participating in the rosary or Scripture services may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. at the church. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton.

Donald was born Feb. 25, 1927, in Davenport, Iowa, the son of John Joseph and Marcella Costello Martin. He graduated from St. Ambrose Academy in 1944. He graduated from St. Ambrose College in Davenport and also from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1951.

Don proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. He was a member of Geo. G. Luckey American Legion Post 57 in Vinton.

On May 28, 1949, Don was united in marriage with Marilyn Therese Stotzer in Sterling, Ill. She preceded him in death on Sept. 21, 1996.

Don practiced optometry at the Martin Eye Clinic in Vinton, retiring in 2004.

Don was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vinton. He was also active in his community as a member of the Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus and the Vinton Country Club. He also served on the Vinton City Council.

He enjoyed golf, bowling and playing cards. He also enjoyed watching his children's and grandchildren's activities.

Don is survived by three daughters, Mary Sabina (Mike) Wynne, Marie Therese Foth and Mary Ellen (Dave) Rethwisch; seven sons, Bill (Debbie), Joe (Christiane), Dr. Mike, Matt (Robin), John Joseph III (Diane), Paul (Ella) and Mark (Scott) Martin Vogel; one brother, Robert Martin; four sisters, Barbara Dockery, Virginia (Jack) Barnard, Jeanne Fuller and Betty Hiegel; 26 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marilyn Therese; one brother, Father John Martin; and one grandson, Stephen Martin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Don and his family.

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