Martha S Martinson

Marty Martinson of Pine City passed away Monday, March 4, 2024 at Welia Hospital in Mora at the age of 94.

Martha Irene Sappington was born April 26, 1929 in Severn, Maryland, the youngest of 7 children to Orem and Velma (Harmon) Sappington. As her mother died when she was 16 months old, she was raised by her father’s brother until living with foster parents during her later teen years. She graduated from Catonsville High School, and further education was gained at the Baltimore College of Commerce. Through the ministry of Youth for Christ, Marty received Jesus as her Savior at age 18. She attended the Baltimore School of the Bible and became active in Halethorpe Community Church. 

In October of 1955, she met Russell Martinson while he was stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland, they were married in November of 1956. This union brought her to the farm in Rock Creek where Russ had lived all his life. They were blessed with two children: Kathy Lee and Dale Russell. Marty was a secretary for a total of 35 years in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Pine City. Her interests included Bible studies, travel, and keeping in close contact with family and friends who were the joy of her life. She was involved in several churches as a Sunday school teacher, various service groups, and choirs. Marty loved to sing. In her later years as her physical limitations kept her from other service she became a diligent prayer warrior.

Marty is survived by daughter Kathy (Scott) Lobdell of Hudson, Wisconsin, son Dale (Lisa) Martinson of Maplewood; grandchildren Nathan (Shaina) Lobdell of Hudson, Wisconsin, Jeremy (Sarah) Lobdell of Volo, Illinois, Amanda (John) Stoks of Shakopee, Nicolas Martinson of Champlin; great-grandchildren Charlotte Lobdell, Jameson Lobdell of Hudson, Wisconsin, Madison Lobdell of Volo, Illinois, Isabel Martinson of Champlin; foster sister Sherry (David) Volkmar; sister-in-law Inez Sappington all of Maryland; brother-in-law Jerry Martinson of Golden Valley; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Marty was preceded in death by her parents Orem and Velma Sappington; loving husband of 58 years, Russ; foster parents Sherwood and Dorothy Mangold; sisters Velma Wiseman, Rachel Sann, Edna Caulfield; brothers Orval, Thomas, Newton Sappington; father/mother-in-law Russell and Minnie Martinson.

Pastor Joel Preston will officiate funeral services for Marty: 11 AM; Saturday, April 6, 2024 at the Pine City Evangelical Free Church in Pine City with a time of visitation for family and friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Lunch will be served immediately following the service.

Memorials in Marty’s memory may be directed to the:

Pine City Evangelical Free Church

625 Golf Avenue SW

Pine City, MN 55063

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the:  Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel

www.FuneralAndCremationService.com