Obituaries : Dr. Donald E. Martin

Dr. Don Martin

VINTON – Dr. Donald E. Martin, 83, of Vinton, died Friday, October 29, 2010, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 1, 2010, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Vinton with Father Stephen Martin as Celebrant. Visitation at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Vinton will begin Sunday, October 31, with a Rosary Service from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. and end with a Scripture Service at 8 p.m., led by Sister Mary Hargrafen. Those not participating in the Rosary or Scripture Services may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. at the church. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton.

Donald was born February 25, 1927, in Davenport, Iowa, the son of John Joseph and Marcella Costello Martin. After graduating from St. Ambrose Academy in 1944, Don proudly served his country in the United States Navy during WWII. While attending St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Don met the love of his life, Marilyn Therese Stotzer, at a college dance in 1948. On May 28, 1949, the two were united in marriage in Sterling, Illinois. He graduated from St. Ambrose College in Davenport and also from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1951. In 1955, the family moved to Vinton and made the community their home. Don practiced optometry at the Martin Eye Clinic in Vinton, retiring in 2004.

He was active in his community as a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus, Geo. G. Luckey American Legion Post 57 and the Vinton Country Club. He also served on the Vinton City Council. He enjoyed his family, golf, bowling, puzzles and playing cards. He also enjoyed watching his children’s and grandchildren’s activities.

Don is survived by three daughters: Mary Sabina (Mike) Wynne of Ridgefield, WA; Marie Therese Foth of Vinton; and Mary Ellen (Dave) Rethwisch of Iowa City; seven sons: Bill (Debbie) of Vinton; Joe (Christiane) of Van Couver, WA; Dr. Mike of Cedar Rapids; Matt (Robin) of Vinton; John Joseph III (Diane) of Aurora, IL; Paul (Ella) of Queen Creek, AZ; and Mark (Scott) Martin Vogel of Arlington, VA; one brother, Robert Martin; four sisters: Barbara Dockery, Virginia (Jack) Barnard, Jeanne Fuller and Betty Hiegel; 26 grandchildren: Jennifer (Lonie) Hockhalter, Andy (Yudith)Wynne, Emily (Jim Thompson) Wynne, Elizabeth (Joe Wilkins) Wynne, Susie Wynne, Wendy (James) Miller, Bethany (Andy) Monthei, Brad & Megan Foth, Nick & John McLachlan, Sister Maria Catherine Rethwisch, OP, Abby, Amanda, Rebecca, Mary & John Paul Rethwisch, Mitchell, Lydia, Luke, Will, Jenni, Lucy, Joe, Jeff, Sam, Patrick, Matthew, Aiden and Alexa Martin, and Spencer Vogel; and 12 great-grandchildren: Nathan, Eddie & Luke Hockhalter, Nelson & Naomi Wynne, Samual Thompson, Walter Wilkins, Vanessa Kotouc, Lily & Lola Miller, Jackson Fischer and Taylor McLachlan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marilyn Therese, on September 21, 1996; one brother, Father John Martin; and one grandson, Stephen Martin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Don and his family. Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com.