Kenneth Martin

 Kenneth E. Martin,  age 87, died Sunday, October 30 at Bluff Haven Assisted Living Center in  Prairie du Chien. He was born  September 26, 1924 on Blakes Prairie between Bloomington and Bagley. The son of Roy and Ada (Harris) Martin, Kenneth always felt proud and privileged to grow up on the family homestead with his brothers, sister, and cousins; playing baseball, raising his family and farming the land that he loved. In  April 1948, Kenneth and Arvis (Reukauf) were united in marriage at the Mt. Hope United Methodist Church . The couple farmed near Bagley where they raised 6 children. In his youth, he loved playing baseball with his cousins and good friends. He also enjoyed bowling as time allowed him from his busy life as a young farmer and family man. Kenneth was a lifetime member of the Bloomington United Methodist church where he served in many positions as well as on the church board. He also served as a director of the Farmers Co-op Board, on the Grant Electric Board for a term, was a 4-H leader for the Blake's Prairie Bombers, and was president of the Grant County Pork Producers for several years.

His most treasured role in his life was being a loving husband, father, brother, and adoring grandfather. While his love of the land called Blake's Prairie never wavered, he dearly loved his family and dedicated his life to them. He was also an avid fan of sports, particularly the sports that his grandchildren played.

Survivors include his wife, Arvis Martin, Bagley; their six children: Marsha Martin, Rockford, IL; Brenda (Roger) Berg, Evansville; Randy (Debbie) Martin, Bagley; Ross (Sandy) Martin, Houston, MN; Rod (Susie) Martin, Brooklyn; Carolyn (Tom) Doering, Oregon; twelve grandchildren; Stephanie (Jay) Thomsen, Madison; Katie (Chris) Davis, Wisconsin Dells; Jacob Martin, La Crosse; Kara, Erin, and Kirk Martin, Bagley; Mariah, Taylor, and Anna Marie Martin, Brooklyn; Drew, Tyler, and Lexi Doering, Oregon; three step grandchildren; Jason, Lindsey, and Dustin Reggin; brother Richard Bud (Patty) Martin, Bloomington; sister-in-law LaVonne Martin, Shannon, IL; brother-in-law Jim Sass, Bloomington; and many caring cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by a brother, Keith Martin; a sister, Doris (Martin) Sass; father-in-law, Ralph Reukauf; mother-in law, Helen Reukauf; and grandson, Michael Berg.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bloomington United Methodist Church with Pastor Maryann Floerke officiating. Burial was in Lumpkin Cemetery , Bloomington Township . Family and friends called on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington and  on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at 11:00 a.m.