Eugene Martin

There were several things of great importance to Eugene P. Martin. Devoted to his wife, he was a good provider for his children and truly loved farming. The fruits of his labor and strong work ethic were clearly evident in his life, and his love for farming flowed throughout his heart. Above all, Eugene was a hard worker who did what it took to get a job done, and he did it well. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.

The year 1928 was an exciting time in our nation’s history. The flapper and the Roaring 20s redefined the culture of America while the entertainment industry was beginning to explode. The discovery of Penicillin forever changed the field of medicine and legendary baseball players set astounding records on the ball fields. Although the U.S. was on the brink of the Great Depression, a most welcome event in the lives of Nicholaus and Hildigard (Gross) Martin of Westphalia, Michigan took place on August 10, 1928 when they were blessed with the birth of a baby boy they named Eugene.

One of ten children in the Martin household, being raised on the family cow farm offered Eugene many opportunities for adventure during his growing up years. There was plenty of work for everyone to take part in and Eugene didn’t mind a bit being in the outdoors. A devout Catholic family, they were faithful parishioners of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler where Eugene was an active member throughout his life. He attended the Fowler-Westphalia area schools through the eighth grade, and like many young men during this time, Eugene left school to begin working full time on the family farm. In time he began driving a truck delivering fertilizer within the Fowler area, but hands-on farming remained at the core of Eugene’s heart.

Another interest captured young Eugene’s heart while attending school when he met a pretty girl named Estella Thelen. They often walked back and forth to school together and in time they became quite smitten. After dating a short while, their admiration grew into love and the two became husband and wife on September 12, 1950 in Fowler. Following their vows, Eugene joined Estella in her family home where he began running their family farm. They remained in that very home their entire married lives together, and it was there that they raised their family. Eugene and Estella had a great love for one another and were always together. Until her death years later, the two never spent a night away from each other’s side.

A meat and potatoes man, Eugene loved the meals Estella prepared, and she did so just the way he liked. As a family they attended Most Holy Family Catholic Church where throughout the years Eugene remained very active. He was also a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. Several family trips were taken over the years spending time together traveling up north to Mackinaw City and to Frankenmuth during the Oktoberfest activities. When it came to music, Eugene loved the sounds of polka music. In his free time he enjoyed playing softball and liked a good card game of Euchre or Set Back. Most of all, Eugene loved being outdoors and his life of farming.

Eugene had a very strong work ethic. Although he loved farming, it was indeed hard, physical labor, but he never tired of it. Farming was in his blood. He continued to farm but also took on several side jobs over the years for extra income. Working as a school custodian and as a bus driver, he went to work for the Fowler Public Schools in 1953 and remained there until retiring in 1988. In all his years working there, never once did Eugene call into work sick. Even after his retirement, he began delivering the local Clinton County News newspaper. He eventually retired from farming too in 1997.

Not a man to openly show his emotions, Eugene was not particularly close to his children, but loved them dearly. He worked hard his whole life through to provide for his beloved Estella and family. He was especially taken when grandchildren came into his life and seemed to have saved all of his affections just for them. When Estella suddenly died, Eugene was truly at a loss. He was lost without her in his life and never was quite the same after her death. In June of 2007, Eugene’s health began to decline and he suffered from several health related issues over the last few years. With his family by his side, Eugene died peacefully on Friday, November 20, 2009. He will be sadly missed.

Surviving is his son, Duane J. Martin of Grand Ledge; daughter, Lorinda (Jerry) Wohlfert of Fowler; grandchildren, Kent (Kolina Riley) Dell, Allison Dell, Jacob Dell, Jared Wohlfert, and Abigail Wohlfert; his sisters, Bertha O’Conner, Mary Ann (Clifford) Fowler, and Theresa (Joe) Jarvis; brothers, Aloysius (Laura) Martin and Donald (Karleen) Martin. In addition to his wife, Eugene was preceded in death by his son, Alden; sister, Germaine Spitzley; and brothers, Reynold, Julius, and Harold Martin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler with the Rev. Fr. Dennis Howard as celebrant. The family will receive friends from 7-9 PM Sunday and 2-4 and 7-9 PM Monday at the George Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes in Fowler. A Rosary Service will take place at 8:00 PM Sunday evening and the Rosary will again be prayed at 3:00 PM Monday with a vigil service at 8:00 PM Monday at the funeral home. Contributions in Eugene’s memory may be directed to the Most Holy Trinity Educational Fund. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a favorite memory of Eugene, submit a photo or to sign his online guest book.