Robert Lloyd Martin
September 24, 1943 - July 6, 2018
MANLY - Robert Lloyd Martin, 74, of Manly, IA passed away Friday, July 6, 2018 with family at his side, under Hospice care, at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City, IA.
A visitation and Celebration of Life will be held from 2-5 pm Saturday, July 14, 2018 at Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 E Spring Street, Manly, IA.
Robert was born to Lloyd and Cleora (Richards) Martin September 24, 1943. He lived on the same land for 70 of his 74 years. He was a steward of the land and for wildlife. Robert graduated from North Central, Manly, in 1962 where he met Lorraine, his wife of 54 years. (She was one of the “Plymouth girls” and he was one of the “Manly boys” with blue eyes and curly eyelashes)
Robert began farming immediately after high school, living on the family farm, raising many hogs and chickens (Lorraine's job) and one milk cow. He always had an off-farm job, working at Montgomery Ward Farm Store, Massey Equipment, Mid-Equipment, Armour-Eckreich, Curries, Stellar Industries, AgChem, and Woodharbor where he met many friends.
“Google Grandpa” was what grandkids would say about him because of his wealth of knowledge of mechanics, problem solving, fixing MOST anything, plumbing, electricity, carpentry, hunting, fishing, guns, fishing equipment, trivia, TOOLS and NETFLIX. He could explain procedures so we could understand. His kids frequently called with an electrical, plumbing, carpentry, or auto issue, in need of advice or tools. He always wanted to modify a tool or machine to make it better (Of course it would take 2 days to clean his work area first) He would create and build rather than buy –( backhoe, newly revised weed sprayer every season.) Tools were his passion and each one had its place. If something was lost, the whole family had to look for it until found.
He would hunt and fish in any weather, alone or with family where special bonds were made. He loved “Lil Debbie” snacks – even having a “twinkie” van used for carrying tools when farming. He loved travelling (a trip to his homeland Germany in 2011) He loved his cats, dogs and “granddogs” Up to the last minute he was organizing his fishing equipment and modifying one of his beloved guns.
When his granddaughter caught her first fish, he kissed it so she wouldn't be afraid- then released it. Just this May he bought a new fishing pole and reel (like he didn't have 12 already) to go fishing in his granddaughter's pond with her on her 18th birthday. He out fished them all. He took such pride in his family's accomplishments.
He loved technology (our new TRS-80 Model II 1980's $2000. computer was obsolete in 6 months) His woodworking passion yielded each family a diaper changing table and multiple furniture pieces. Our most joyous occasion was building our own home.
We'll miss his dry humor, teasing, teaching, advice, help and LOVE.
Those blessed and thankful to continue his life are: his Wife, Lorraine; two daughters, Theresa (Travis) Glidden, Garner and Kristine(Marc) Whyle, Muscatine; one son, Robert “BJ”(Vallie) Martin, Klemme; 7 grandchildren, Cody Glidden, Trinidad, CO; Ty (Tarron Hansen) Glidden, Garner, Autumn (Nick) Gnerer, Mankato, MN, Tristin (Lane) Peterson, Garner, Blazek (Raven Grady) Whyle, Muscatine, Aspen Whyle, Muscatine, and Abby Martin, Klemme; 2 great-grandsons arriving in October – Decker Peterson and Croix Glidden; two sisters – Gerry (Jim) Christiansen, Manly and Elsie Dutcher, Clear Lake; two brothers-in-law – Michael (Charlotte) Michalek, Manly, and Tony (Jan) Michalek, Minnitrista, MN; Nieces, nephews, cousins, friends.
Preceding Robert in death are his parents Lloyd and Cleora Martin, parents-in-law Frank and JessieMaye Michalek, great nephew Todd Michalek, Cousin Neil Martin and beloved German-Shepherd “Grizzy”
Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 East Spring Street, Manly, IA. (641)454-2242. ColonialChapels.com