Don Martin

Funeral services for Don Martin, age 84, of O'Neill, were held 10:30 am Tuesday, Dec 31, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill, with burial in the O'Neill Calvary Cemetery. Military graveside rites were conducted by the American Legion Simonson Post 93 of O'Neill. Rev. Eric Olsen officiated. Visitation was Monday from 3-9 pm at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill, with a Rosary at 8 pm.

Music was provided by pianist Susan Kramer and singers Marvin Ziska and St. Patrick's Choir.

Pallbearers were Matthew Martin, Nathan Martin, Cory Wettlaufer, Darin Lichti, Tim Peter and Jeremy Peter.

Don was born Jan 15, 1918 , at Tilden to William and Irene (Philips) Martin. He graduated from St. Mary's Academy in 1936. Don entered the U.S. Army during WWII and served from Feb 19, 1941 to May 17, 1945. He received the Purple Heart as an infantryman in the European Theater. He married Melcina Mullen on Oct 11, 1946, at Hiawatha, KS. She passed away in 1983. He married Joan Clemens Humrich on Feb 24, 1984 at O'Neill. Don was self-employed as a truck driver, hauling cattle and hay. In latter years he was a car salesman for Eby's, Krotter's and Bauer-Hedlund Inc. car dealerships in O'Neill. He belonged to St. Patrick's Catholic Church, American Legion Simonson Post 93, Knights of Columbus and O'Neill Country Club. He passed away at his home on Saturday, Dec 28, 2002.

Don is survived by his wife, Joan of O'Neill; one daughter Peggy Wettlaufer and husband Gary of O'Neill; one son Dick and wife Carol of Lincoln; three stepdaughters, Cathie Eacker and husband Garry of Phoenix, AZ' Becky Peter and husband Ed of {O'Neill; Jan Johnson and husband Jim of Hartington; 16 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; five sisters, Margaret Hickey of O'Neill, Mary Helen Magdanze of Hadar, Judy Shaw of St. Edward, Ann Day of Elgin and Kay Shoemaker of Chambers; and a sister-in-law, Leona Martin of York.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, three brothers and one grandson.