Archie V. Martin

CHARLES CITY: Archie V. Martin, 96 of Charles City, was born November 12, 1909 in Farmington, Iowa. He passed away Sunday, May 28, 2006 at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa. Private family services will be held at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Mason City on Tuesday, May 30 with Rev. Jim Stiles and Rev. Jo Frahm-Watkins officiating. He was educated in the Farmington, Iowa school system. He began his career as a singer having his own radio show on WIAS radio station in Ottumwa and performing at numerous concerts and social events. He worked as a machinist in Rockford, Illinois and Moline, Illinois and it was from Northern Ordinance in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he was drafted for the Manhattan Project in Los Alamos, New Mexico. After World War II, he collaborated with his brother Bill to form Martin Brothers Paint Contractors in Charles City where they built a successful business. A heart attack in 1972 forced his retirement. He was an avid lover of the outdoors. His passions were fishing and hunting, having made numerous trips to Alaska, Canada and most of the United States in pursuit of the outdoor experience. He was a human encyclopedia on the identification of any flower, tree, bird, animal or insect. He also enjoyed his flower and vegetable gardens, taking pride in his ?county fair-sized produce. He was also an engaging storyteller with a phenomenal memory. In sports?the Cubs were always tuned in on his TV. He is survived by his wife Marjorie, of 72 years; daughters, Kathryn Herbrechtsmeyer and Charlotte Springer of Charles City, Debbra (Scott) Metcalf of Mason City, Brenda (Gary) Molitor of Mason City; son, James and wife Sonja Martin of Minaki, Ontario, Canada; 8 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; sister, Eloise Schultz of Olathe, Kansas. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Sharon Lynnette in 1959; 3 brothers and 2 sisters. He will always be remembered for his incredible zest for life which helped him overcome the numerous medical challenges he encountered.

Visitation:
2:00 PM to 2:00 PM at on May 29, 2006 (map/driving directions) 2:00 PM to 2:00 PM at on May 29, 2006 (map/driving directions)

Service:
10:00 AM at 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue on May 30, 2006 (map/driving directions)