Gerald “Jerry” Martinson, age 86, formerly of Emmons, MN, passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at St. John’s Lutheran Home on Fountain Lake, Albert Lea, MN.

Gerald “Jerry” Martinson

A memorial service for Jerry will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at Emmons Lutheran Church, Emmons, MN with Pastor Ryan Henkel officiating. Inurnment will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Emmons, MN, with military honors performed by the Emmons American Legion Post #317.

Visitation for Jerry will take place one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Oak Lawn Cemetery Fund.

Gerald Wayne Martinson was born on March 7, 1937 in Albert Lea, MN to parents Orville and Mattie (Amundson) Martinson. Jerry grew up in rural Emmons, graduating from Emmons High School in 1955. Jerry was drafted in the United States Army and served his country honorably from 1960-1962, with most of his time served overseas in France. Upon returning from the service, Jerry graduated from Mankato State with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Jerry married Victoria Oslund, and to this union, Jerry was blessed with a daughter, Nissa. The couple later divorced. On June 28, 1980, Jerry was united in marriage to Marion (Stickfort) Stene at the Emmons Lutheran Church.

Early in his career, Jerry worked in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for Farmland Industries, where he was a Sales Manager.

When Jerry moved back home, he worked as the Feed Mill Manager for Hayward Co-op in Hayward, MN. When Jerry wasn’t working, he enjoyed fixing and restoring old cars. He could get anything running again. He also liked wood working, playing cards with Marion and friends, taking the grandchildren fishing, and enjoyed telling (often overelaborating) stories to the grandchildren.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 43 years, Marion Martinson; daughter, Nissa Rieck; step-son, Paul and Laura Stene; grandchildren, Michael Stene, Holly and Marshall Pederson, Isaac Rieck, and Larkin Rieck; sister, Ardis and Robert Johnson; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.

Jerry is preceded in death by both parents, Orville and Mattie Martinson.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. John’s Lutheran Home for the excellent care and compassion given to Jerry.