Joseph Martin

Joseph Martin, age 71, of Sacred Heart, MN died Monday, August 2, 2021 at Carris Health – Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar. A public visitation will be on Saturday, August 7, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Dirks-Blem Funeral Home in Olivia. A private family service will follow with Pastor Krey Leesman officiating. Burial will be in the St. Clara Catholic Cemetery in Clara City.

A live stream of the service will be available starting at 12:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 7 at the following link: https://my.gather.app/remember/joseph-martin-2021

Joseph Edwin Martin was born on May 9, 1950 to William and Agnes (Bender) Martin in Granite Falls, MN. He grew up in Asbury, MN, north of Granite Falls, the youngest boy of seven children. Joe graduated from Granite Falls High School. After high school he worked as the police officer in Maynard. He worked on the construction of the Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative and in the fall of 1975, he was part of the first production year at the plant. He continued to work there for 35 years until his retirement. Community involvement was important to Joe as he was a member of the Sacred Heart Jaycee’s Club for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors through spending time at the lake, camping, hunting, and fishing. Playing cards, especially Rummy 500 and Solitaire, brought him much joy. He loved to share his cooking with people; he liked to BBQ, and was known for “Joe’s potato salad” in large enough quantities to feed an army. He enjoyed going for coffee at Don & Corrie’s Repair.  Joe’s immeasurable love for his family was evident, and he treasured all of the time that he had with them. He will be remembered for his quick-wit that included numerous “dad jokes” and one-liners.

Joseph is survived by his children, Anita (Jerry) Zurn of Foreston, MN and Brian (Sara) Martin of Sauk Rapids, MN; his four grandchildren: Christopher (Amanda) Zurn of Foley, MN, Joshua  (Shy) Zurn of Foley, MN, Gavin Martin, and Ethan Martin of Sauk Rapids, MN; three great-grandchildren: Leo, Carolyn, Addison Zurn; his siblings: Rita (Felix) Thissen of Clara City, MN,  Donnie (Mary) Martin of Clara City, MN,  Raymond (Marge) Martin of Granite Falls, MN, Angela “Sis” Lock of Shawnee, OK,  and Arlene “Cookie” (Robert) Stager of Clara City, MN. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Terry Joseph; grandson, Nathan Zurn; and sister, Mary.

Blessed Be His Memory

Dirks-Blem Funeral Service, Olivia, MN