Obit: Herr, Martha E. (1909 - 2012)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Herr, Saari, Niemi, Book, Piercy, Coffey, Rossow

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 10/15/2012

Herr, Martha E. (22 AUG 1909 - 9 OCT 2012)

Martha E. Herr, 103, passed away on Tuesday, October 9, 2012, at Colonial Center in Colby, WI. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greenwood, with Rev. Joseph Follmar officiating. Visitation will be held at the church, on Wednesday, from 10 a.m. until time of service.

Martha Ellen Niemi was born on August 22, 1909, in Dekalb, IL, the daughter of John and Maria (Saari) Niemi. Her parents moved to a farm near Longwood, WI, when she was 2 years old, because there was a local Finnish settlement there. She attended Longwood School until the 8th grade, but was not able to continue her education because her mother died when Martha was nine years old. She married Francis H. Herr at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greenwood, WI on November 30, 1940. They farmed north of Greenwood until retiring in 1979. Her husband, Francis, died on February 16, 1997. She has been a resident at Colonial Center since March 5, 2007. The family hosted a large 100th birthday party for her, which she enjoyed very much.

Martha had many interests, but especially enjoyed crocheting, sewing and was an avid gardener. Her grandchildren have many happy memories of her playing cards and games with them.

She is survived by a daughter, Marianne (Rick) Book of Fountain Valley, CA; a son, Francis (Juanita) Herr Jr. of Austin, TX; six grandchildren, Jeff (Heather) Book of Huntington Beach, CA; Shane Book of Fountain Valley, CA; Melissa (Alan) Piercy of Raleigh, N.C. Lynn (Patrick Morgan) Herr of Palo Alto, CA; Jenny (Mark) Coffey of Raleigh, N.C.; Grant (Sarah) Herr of Raleigh, N.C.; five great-grandchildren, Lucas Herr of Austin, TX; Ashton and Nolan Herr of Raleigh, N.C.; Quinn Coffey of Raleigh, N.C.; and Nathan Book of Huntington Beach, CA.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Francis Sr.; an infant son; one sister, Lillian Rossow; and two brothers, Jack and Walfred Niemi.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.

Cuddie Funeral Home, of Greenwood, is assisting the family with arrangements.