Donna Mae Martin

Donna Mae Martin, 91, died Tuesday May 31 ^st , 2022, at Scandi Haven Village in Benson, MN.  Visitation will be held Thursday June 9 ^th , 2022, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Benson.  Visitation will continue at 10:00AM Friday June 10 ^th followed by the funeral service at 11:00AM at St. Mark’s. Interment will be in the Benson City Cemetery.

Donna Mae (Peterson) Martin was the daughter of Oliver and Manda (Franze) Peterson.  She was born in Battle Lake, MN on May 30 ^th , 1931.  She was baptized and confirmed at Eagle Lake Lutheran Church.  She graduated from Fergus Falls High School with the class of 1948.

Donna was married to Darold Martin June 15 ^th , 1952, in Fergus Falls.  They were married for nearly 70 years and were blessed with four children, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Donna and Darold made their first home in Park Rapids, MN where they owned a small grocery store near Main Street.  In 1956 they moved to Morris, MN and began and business partnership with Darold’s brother Willie.  They moved to Benson and purchased what is now Darold’s SuperValu and Benson become their home.

In the 1960s and 70s Donna was one of several neighborhood mothers who patrolled the streets of Sanford Road and Meadow Lane, with lots of children in and out of houses in a busy neighborhood, it became a full-time job. Donna enjoyed traveling and made several trips with family and friends.  Her favorites being the many trips to “The Island” on Lake of the Woods and to South Padre Island for several winters. Her hobbies included scrapbooking, playing cards, crocheting, quilting, baking, and watching the Twins and Vikings.  She especially loved her many Bridge Clubs.  She cherished her friends and card partners over the years.  Donna loved her family, spending time with them was always her top priority.  She never missed a birthday, an anniversary or special occasion.

In later years, Donna and Darold moved to Scandi Haven Village, where they were given great care.  We thank the staff for all those times. Donna was a long-time member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.  She loved being part of any and all activities at the church.  Donna trusted the Lord and is now with him in Heaven.

Donna is survived by her husband Darold.  Children Debra Kennetz, Dave (Lori) Martin, Denice (Bruce) Conyers.  Grandchildren Jill (Derrick) Huston, Anthony (Nicole) Kennetz, Julie (Reid) Nicklason, Kristy (Dylan) Kennetz, and Daniel Martin.  Great Grandson Benjamin Nicklason. Several cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Oliver and Manda Peterson, sister Gen Morrissey, brother Gerald Peterson, daughter Diane Sherry, son in law Paul Sherry, granddaughter Angela Sherry, Brothers in Law Wayne Morrissey and Willie Martin and sister-in-law Rachel Martin.

Blessed be her memory.