Charles Martinson

Charles Edward Martinson was born February 6, 1948, in St. Paul, MN, to Vernon and Adella (Williamson) Martinson. Later that year the family moved to the family farm outside of Lamberton, MN. He graduated from Lamberton High School in 1966. In September of 1966, Chuck enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was in the 3rd Battalion 5th Marines serving in Vietnam where he fought in the Tet Offensive and the taking of the city of Hue. He received a Purple Heart while serving in Vietnam. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1969, he returned to Lamberton and began his employment with the Lamberton Elevator. On February 6, 1972, he was united in marriage to Sharyn Smith at the United Methodist Church in Pierre, SD. Chuck and Sharyn were blessed with a daughter, Danyell in 1974, and a son, Chuck Jr. in 1975. Chuck was employed by Meadowland Farmers Coop until he was forced to retire because of his health on July 1, 2007. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He took great pride in his children and loved being a grandpa. Chuck enjoyed spending time at their lake home on Lake Shetek, skiing, playing cards, cutting wood and mowing lawn. He especially enjoyed his co-workers, morning coffee at the C-store and working. He was always told that he was the favorite uncle and was labeled the Macho Man by his nieces. He entertained everyone with his jokes, tall tales and dance moves. Wherever Chuck was his fun personality shined through and made everyone's day brighter. Chuck Martinson passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 18, 2007, surrounded by family after a 3 month courageous battle with cancer. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Sharyn of Lamberton; daughter, Danyell and husband Kyle Skillman of Sioux Falls, SD; son, Chuck and wife Holly Martinson of Kremmling, CO; two grandchildren, Cooper and Taylor Martinson of Kremmling, CO and one step-grandson, Brandon Skillman of Sioux Falls, SD; sister - DiAnne Ramsbacher of San Antonio, TX; brothers - Bill Martinson of Lamberton, Jim and wife Diane Martinson of San Antonio, TX, Bob and wife Paula Martinson of Gainesville, TX and Rick and wife Sally Martinson of Rockford; mother-in-law - Alice Smith of Pierre, SD; sisters-in-law - Judy Smith of Des Moines, IA, Nancy (Rick) Riggle and Pam (Clay) Roberts of Pierre, SD; 25 nieces and nephews and 29 great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents - Vernon and Adella Martinson; father-in-law - William J. Smith; and brothers-in-law - William J. Smith, Jr. and Curt Ramsbacher.