Richard L. Martin

Richard L. Bud Martin, age 76, of Bloomington, died on Monday, June 18, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque, IA, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 5, 1935, in Bloomington, the son of Roy and Ada (Harris) Martin. On January 17, 1955, Bud was united in marriage to Patricia M. Gotto at St. Mary's Parsonage in Bloomington. He entered the United States Army in 1955 and was stationed in England where he acquired his association with the 803 engineer's battalion and attended many of their reunions. Bud farmed on the Martin Century Farm for thirty-five years. Bud had a great love for his wife, Pat, and their family. He enjoyed music, playing cards, and watching his Cubbies. Bud loved the beauty of a sunrise on the farm, a lilac in his pocket, the joys of family and friends, and a good conversation. He was a humble and optimistic man who cared deeply about his church. Bud and his family have cared for the Union Lumpkin Cemetery for forty years. He was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Abraham Hickok American Legion Post No. 148 of Bloomington.

Survivors include his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Pat, Bloomington; their children: Jeff (Karen) Martin, Westlake, OH; Joyce (Bill) Albright, Milton; Bruce (Cherie) Martin, Onalaska; Barb (Tyson Barr) Mezera, Woodman; Leanne (Jim) Vogt, Oregon; Mike (Lori) Martin, Oregon; Andrea (Tom) Crubel, Bloomington; twenty-one grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, LaVonne Martin, Shannon, IL; Arvis Martin, Bagley; and a brother-in-law, Jim Sass, Bloomington; mother-in-law, Margaret Gotto, Lancaster.

In addition to his parents, Bud was preceded in death by two brothers, Keith and Kenneth Martin; a sister, Doris Sass; and his father-in-law, Clarence Gotto.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 22, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at the Bloomington United Methodist Church with Pastor Mary Ann Floerke officiating. Burial with military honors accorded by the Abraham Hickok American Legion Post No. 148 of Bloomington was in Union Lumpkin Cemetery, Bloomington Township. Family and friends may call on Thursday, June 21, 2012, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington and on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. In lieu of plants and flowers a Bud Martin memorial fund has been established.