Obit: Martin, Alvin R. (1876 – 1975)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Martin, Groenewold, Bruckschlager, Lauhala, Dallan, Nielsen, Bychinski, Bruchert, Olds, Gustafson

---------Source: Owen Enterprise (Owen, Clark County, Wis.) 12 Jun 1975

Martin, Alvin R. (24 JUL 1876 – 3 JUN 1975)

Funeral services for A. R. Martin, 99, pioneer Withee (Clark Co., Wis.) resident and longtime businessman and civic leader were held at two o'clock Tuesday, June 3 (article shows funeral date and death date as the same day) at St. John's Lutheran Church, Withee. The Rev. Douglas Groenewold, parish pastor, officiated, with burial being made in the family lot at Riverside Cemetery (rural Withee). He passed away at his home in Withee at 1:20 p.m. Tuesday, June 3 (?), 1975.

In a visit with Mr. Martin at his home on the 18th of May he said that he "thought" he might live to be 100, but those close to him, his daughters who were caring for him daily, knew better, as he was suffering from an incurable leg affliction. But nevertheless he had hopes which made his life enjoyable.

Serving as pallbearers were Harry Bruckschlager, LeRoy Dallan (?), Victor Lauhala, Jerry Nielsen, John Nielsen, and Tom Bychinski.

Mr. Martin was born July 24, 1876 in German and came to the United States with his parents at the age of 4. He settled on a farm in the Town of Green Grove (Clark Co.), later moving to Curtiss.

He had operated a blacksmith shop in Colby, and also worked for the John S. Owen logging camp. In 1908 he built a blacksmith shop in Withee, which he operated for ahlf a century. It was known as A.R. Martin Blacksmithing and Horseshoeing.

Mr. Martin was always interest in local and community affairs. He was a trustee for the Village of Withee, and later was elected village president, an office he held for 25 years. He was on the Clark County Board of Supervisors for 30 years, serving at the time the Clark County Hospital was built.

He served as a director of the State Bank of Withee from 1939 until 1973. He was a charter member of the Black River Bowman's Club, and donated the land on which the clubhouse was built. He attended Curtiss Grade School and was a member of St. John's Lutheran church, Withee.

Mr. Martin married the former Ida Bruchert in 1906 at Withee. She died in October of 1934.

Surviving are four daughters, Miss Mabel Martin, Withee, Mrs. Edna Olds, Owen, and Mrs. Harry (Alice) Gustafson and Mrs. Victor (Inez) Nielsen, both of Phillips; seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his wife, were two brothers and a daughter.