Laverne Martin

Laverne Ardell Martin, 85, a resident of Fergus Falls, died peacefully on Monday, July 6, 2015 at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

Laverne was born May 20, 1930 in Buse Township near Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the daughter of William L. and Elvie (Peterson) Schmidt. She grew up in Fergus Falls, graduating from high school in 1948. She was employed for several years at the Fergus Falls Dental Laboratory and then was the Otter Tail County Deputy Treasurer until her retirement.

On August 17, 1968 she married Melvin Martin and along with his children Larry and Susan they became a family. They built their home north of Fergus Falls on the property that was formerly the Poor Farm, where they lived until moving into town in 1994.

She was a lifetime member of Grace United Methodist Church, singing in the church choir for 55 years. She and Melvin were also active members of the Senior Citizens Center for many years and were instrumental in establishing it in downtown Fergus Falls. They enjoyed camping, gardening, and cooking together.

Preceding her in death were her parents, William and Elvie Schmidt; her husband, Melvin; a sister, Lorna Schmidt; a sister-in-law, Marcella Schmidt; and a grand-niece, Christie.

She is survived by her children Larry (Patti) Martin of Battle Lake, and Susan Ellis of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren Heather, Tim, and Charmi; great-grandchildren Bradley, Eric, Jacob, Lucas and Ameria; her siblings: Wayne (Iva) Schmidt, Merle Schmidt, Marcella Wildung, and Maxine (Gene) Schmidt, all of Fergus Falls; and 11 special nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 9-11 a.m. Monday, July 13th at the church
Service: 11 a.m. Monday, July 13, 2015 at Grace United Methodist Church
Clergy: Reverend Wes Gabel and Chaplain Harry Olson
Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home