Michael E. Martin
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On April 13, 2020 @ 11:25 am In 2020,Obituaries | 33 Comments
Michael E. Martin, age 73, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2020, surrounded by family at his home.
A time of gathering will be on Saturday, April 10th from 9:30-11 am with the Mass of Christian Burial to start at 11:00 am all at St. Michael Catholic Church, Prior Lake. He will be laid to rest and remembered honorably at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Condolences can be left at www.ballardsunderfuneral.com.
Michael Emery was born on June 14, 1946, in Hayfield, MN, to Clayton and Viola (Jacobson) Martin. The second of four children, he grew up in Austin, MN, along with his sisters, Denni, Robby, and Kim. Yes, life was challenging, at times, growing up with three sisters, but they all seemed to manage in the end. Mike’s favorite memories as a child were visiting his grandparents’ farm in the summer. He treasured working side by side tending to the farm chores, with his grandpa. Mike’s parents moved during his senior year in high school to New Hope, MN. He graduated from Robbinsdale High School in 1964.
A very proud American, Mike enlisted and served his country in the United States Navy. His career spanned over 28 years. During that time, he was active duty in Vietnam, then joining the Navy reserves and being called up for Desert Storm. Mike also served his community and helped fellow comrades. He was the commander at the Prior Lake VFW, for almost two years. Mike’s mission was to make sure military personnel’s needs were met and that our veterans were never forgotten.
Mike worked in various jobs before entering the service. After serving in active duty, he studied at Control Data, which allowed him to achieve a degree as a Computer Programmer. He later transferred his talents and worked at NBDS in St. Paul and later for Pierce Pepin Electric Corp, in Ellsworth, WI, for many years.
While attending his computer programming graduation dance, Mike finally had the courage to talk to a fellow classmate, Caroline McCarney. He asked her to dance a polka and the rest became history. On February 6, 1971, at St Joan of Arc, in Minneapolis, MN, Mike, and Carol wed. A few years later, they had two children, Melanie and Gretchen. As a family, they enjoyed traveling and camping, first in a tent, then graduating to a pop-up trailer and later to a motorhome. As the girls grew up, Mike supported them by coaching their basketball and softball teams.
Mike was always active. He and Carol enjoyed traveling, playing golf and spending time with family and friends. They also like taking their chances at the casinos and exercising at Dakotah! Sport and Fitness. Mike’s greatest passion was being present in his grandchildren’s lives. Five years ago, they moved to Prior Lake to be closer to them.
Strong-willed, Mike was a taskmaster, with a clear vision. At the same time, he was kindhearted and generous with his time, talents and resources. Whatever the cause, Mike was 100% committed and passionate and through this drive, touched many lives along the way.
Forever loved, Mike will be forever missed by his beloved wife of 49 years, Carol; daughters, Melanie (Paul) Skelly, Gretchen (Mike) Huberty; grandchildren, Emily, Ella, Jacob, Andrew; sisters, Denni (Ivan) Lund, Robby (Greg) Hanson, Kim Reimer; other relatives and friends.
There to greet Mike home in heaven are his parents, Clayton and Viola.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation proudly served and cared for the Richardson family.
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Carol,Melanie,and Gretchen our family wants to tell you how sorry to hear of the passing of Mike. We truly have some great memories to remember him well. We are so glad you moved to Cottage Grove and Gretchen played basketball. Please call us if you need anything. Sending you love and prayers. Wish we could give all a big hug.
Caroline and family – My love to you all in this very tough time. Mike was a joy to know and hang around with and I will forever be thankful for the time I was fortunate to know him. Prayers and virtual hugs to you all – let me know if I can help in any way.
Our sincerest condolences from the Mike Leahy family.
We are so sad to learn of Mike’s passing. He was a great fellow – hard worker, and always giving
of himself. He set a great example of commitment. Our sympathy to Carol and family. We also
thank him for his service to our nation as a Corpsman. He will be missed by so many.
John and Sherry Murray
Our deepest condolences
My deepest condolences to your family with this huge loss. Prayers and hugs to you all
I as President, lost my CMDR of Post 6208. We had events we both were at and took pictures together. So sorry for your loss. He has earned his wings.
Our deepest sympathies. It was a pleasure to serve under you command. Thank you for you service.
Carol and family
So sorry to.hear about Mike’s death
In my prayers
On behalf of the VFW 4th District and Cottage Grove VFW Post 8572, I offer my sincere condolences to Carol and the rest of Mike’s family, his Comrades, and friends. I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Mike and Carol when they were active members and leaders at Cottage Grove VFW Post 8752 before they moved to Prior Lake. Mike served his fellow veterans and their families at the Post and District levels, having served as a VFW 4th District Commander and in many other positions.
Mike was my 1st cousin and a high school classmate. I was shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. Mike and I and our other cousins had great times as kids growing up in Minnesota. My condolences to his family and the friends he left behind.
Carol and family. I am so sad that Mike had to leave us.
He filled so many shoes as Commander of VFW Post 6208. Always trying different ways to get new members in the club. Making Peanut Brittle,, selling sweet corn
Getting Taco Tuesday back and volunteering every other Tuesday. Making sure there was a teacher of the year for Prior Lake and the list goes on.
Rest In Peace Commander
Carol
I was so sad to hear of Mike getting sick and passing during this time.
He was always very involved at the VFW and always willing to help. He will be missed by many.
Thinking of you Carol.
Our deepest heartfelt sympathy to you Carol, Melanie, Gretchen, sisters, grandchildren and family. We loved reading the beautiful tribute written honoring Mike. He truly was a special man who touched many lives. We were blessed with his friendship and your families friendship over the years. We are so sorry for your suffering during this time of sudden sadness. Praying for friends to comfort you, faith to uphold you, and loving memories help you smile again. He will be dearly missed by us all. Love, Hugs and Peace to you all ❤️ Jeff & Cindy
Mike and Carol have been great friends with Linda and me. Both Mike and Carol worked constantly at the RedBarn VFW in Cottage Grove, prior to moving. Mike also commissioned his daughters to help out. Mike and Carol also worked at St Rita Church at the Fall Festival and other fundraising. You could always count on both of them for help whenever needed. Mike will be missed greatly. May God bless and comfort Carol and the rest of the family during these difficult times.
Carol, We will miss Mike greatly. He did such a great job as Post Commander re-vitalizing many programs. His service is very much appreciated. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carol,
Denny and I remember Mike fondly. Denny considered Mike to be one of his best friends through childhood.
So sorry for you and your children for your loss.
Sincerely, Jill and Denny Shatek
Carol, Melanie and Gretchen our deepest condolences to your family on the passing of Mike. We have many memories of the time spent together. card games, birthdays, weddings and babies. Our prayers to all the family.
Carol, I am so sorry to hear this. We had some fun times and good laughs with Mike. Peace to you and your family .
Love,
Al and Theresa Thole
So sorry to hear of Mikes passing. He was such a great guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during such a difficult time.
Dear Family,
We very much enjoyed working and conversing with Michael. The Prior Lake Lions Club benefited from Michael’s generosity and wisdom, especially at or Santa breakfast at the VFW. We will miss Michael. We are thinking of you and your family and hope you are well.
Sheila and Paul Stahler, Prior Lake Lions Club
My condolences to the family. Mike was like an uncle to me. My parents have been friends with them for many, many years. Mike was a hard working man who had a big heart. There were many big events in mine and my boys’ lives that Mike and Carol were a part of. Anyone who knew him was very lucky to come across a kind and gentle soul like his!! He will be missed but his memory will be held in many hearts by those that know and love him. Prayers to you, Carol.
Caroline and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mike was a great Commander and supporter of the VFW. He will be truly missed.
Our condolences to the family. We have found memories of our fun times when they lived in Maple Grove. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Dennie&Janice Bredenberg and family.
Carol, my thoughts & prayers with your family at this time. I met you both through the VFW, The Red Barn, in Cottage Grove. Mike was very passionate about his service to others & his laughter rang out with his golf buddies on the weekends when they stopped after playing. May you find great comfort in the love he had for you.
Our deepest sympathy to you Carol, Melanie and Gretchen. We will always remember the good times playing cards with Mike and you in Cottage Grove. We will also remember 4th of July at your house watching fireworks from your back yard while Mike was passing out ice cream sundaes.
We are so glad we were able to see Mike and you in Arizona this winter.
Hugs from Wayne and RoseAnn Fuller
Carol and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We will remember Michael as the genuine nice, kind person he was. He contributed so much to the VFW and St. Michaels. He will greatly be missed.
Carol and family. So sorry to hear about Mike. We had lots of good times together at VFW gatherings. Prayers coming to you and your family.
We were so sorry to hear this news. Our condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family.
Carol, Melanie, Gretchen and family members, the tragic loss of Mike is deeply felt by both Jan and I beyond anything we could ever put into a narrative. We will store in our hearts forever the fond memories we are left with in his untimely passing. He blessed so many of us with his care and kindness. He will always be that volunteer Navy Corpsman, caring for his Marines in combat, and to us who have been so privileged to have called him friend.
May you find peace and love in the memories you cherish of Mike. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the Martin family.
Carol daughters and extended family, my deepest condolences to you all!Kay and I enjoyed you and Mike so much in our group meetings! Mike was so good to me getting me involved with the rifle squad and at the VFW in cottage Grove! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I remember the good times at the VFW with you guys and the girls. Such good burgers and tacosIf you get a chance and you want to give me a call my number is 651-459-3873. God bless take care.
Merl Schank
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Our sympathies Mike was a great guy. So dedicated to all of his involvements. We will miss him and so will many in our community Our thoughts and prayers to his family.