Howard Martin

Howard Earl Martin, son of John and Alvina (Serr) Martin, was born on May 11, 1933, in Gregory County, SD. He was the youngest of eight children. He spent his whole life on the family farm around Jamison, NE.

Howard was baptized at the Frieden Lutheran Church, later known as Peace Lutheran Church in Carlock, SD. He was confirmed on August 24, 1947, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Jamison, NE, where he held several offices on the church council. He continued to be a member until his death. He started his education at the Neuharth School through the 4th grade. Then he attended school at McCumber School District #54 until his 8th grade graduation and then graduated from Burke High School in 1951. On February 18, 1952, Howard entered the Armed Services and served in the U.S. Air Force as a machinist in the Philippines. He was honorably discharged on February 17, 1956. He was a life time member of the Burke Post No. 9950 Veterans of Foreign Wars and held many positions from Commander to Chaplain. He was also a member of the American Legion Post.

Howard came home from the military to work beside his mother and father on the family farm. He eventually took over the farm and spent his life raising Simmental cattle and hogs. He enjoyed his many family gatherings and conversations. Nieces and nephews will remember Howard for the many pheasant hunts held annually at his farm on the opening weekend, which always ended with a hot and heavy card game of 31 if you had the quarters to play. Every Friday night, Howard volunteered at the Burke VFW helping to run Bingo or bartending. He was often seen in the color guard for various events within the community. Howard spent many afternoons playing cards in Jamison, NE, and he eventually was a partner in the H & E Shop with Elmer Richardson. Howard was an avid collector of anything from Prince Albert tobacco containers to harness hames, which he would pick up at the many farm sales he attended. After his father passed away, Howard took care of his mother for 30 years until her death.

In February of 2018, Howard entered into Silver Threads Assisted Living in Gregory, SD. Due to failing health, he moved to the Butte Healthcare Center in Butte, NE in July of 2019 where he passed away peacefully on Monday, November 2, 2020 at the age of 87. Howard was the last surviving member of the John and Alvina Martin family.

Those left to cherish Howard’s memory include his sister-in-law Arlene Martin of Dupree, SD and his many nieces and nephews.

Howard was preceded in death by his father and mother; sisters Freida (Varley) Olson of Anaheim, CA and Clara (Stan) Rutman from Pierre, SD; brothers John (Martha) Martin of Chamberlain, SD; Robert (Betty) Martin of Burke, SD; Arthur Martin of Dupree, SD; William (Ida) Martin of Burke, SD; and Ken (Glee) Martin of Chandler, AZ. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Jamison, Nebraska.  Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery, Burke, South Dakota.  There will be a visitation on Friday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke.