John F. Jack" Martin

Martin, John F. (Jack) age 86, of Mason City, Iowa, passed away at Hospice of the Valley in Mesa, AZ, , on May 10, 2008, after a brief illness.
 
Jack was born in Bismarck, ND, on May 20, 1921, the third oldest of five children.  The family moved to Mason City in 1924.  He graduated from Mason City High School in 1939 and attended Mason City Junior College.  Prior to entering the service he worked for the Mason City Tent & Awning Company and Standard Oil where he met his future wife, Dorothy Sharp. They were married in 1942.   He served as a pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.  Jack's 37 1/2 year career in the dairy industry began with State Brand Creameries in 1945 and continued when the company became Associated Milk Producers, Inc.  He retired from AMPI as General Manager in 1983.  Jack also sold insurance part-time and he and Dorothy owned and operated Willow Inn Campground in Ventura, IA, from 1967-1992.  They have been living in Mason City during the summer months and Mesa, AZ, during the winter months.
 
As a young man, Jack became an accomplished figure skater, performing in ice shows with his sister, Anna Mae.  He was a member of the Exchange Club, Elks Club, Mason City Country Club and a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder.  He was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer, bridge player and woodworker.  He won numerous awards at the North Iowa County Fair for his exceptional woodworking talents.  His great interest in his grandchildren was reflected in the many woodworking projects that he crafted for them and in his whimsical tales and stories he told them for their entertainment.
 
Jack will be remembered best as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Calvin and Sadie Martin; brother, Ross Martin; sisters, Anna Mae Cross and Edith Kiser.  Survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Dorothy; sons Jack, Jr. (Avie) Martin of Tucson, AZ; Steve (Karen) Martin of Excelsior, MN; Jana (John) Pitstick of Maple Grove, MN; grandchildren, Blake (Tonia) Martin, Scott (Sarah) Martin, John (Regina) Pitstick, Heather (Charlie) Penland, Jennifer (Michael) Widdifield, Brenda (Vince) Runci, Lindsey Martin and her fiancé J.R. Dehring, 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Helen Glaspey, formerly of Mason City; nieces, nephews and a host of extended family and friends.
 
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 17, 2008, at the First Presbyterian Church, 100 S. Pierce Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401.  Memorials may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church, Mason City, IA.

Memorials:
Memorials may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church, Mason City

Visitation:
There will be no visitation

Service:
11:00 AM Saturday, May 17, 2008 at the First Presbyterian Church