Alton N. Martin, age 83, of New Glarus, WI, formerly of Argyle, WI, passed away Saturday, April 12, 2014, at Glarner Lodge in New Glarus, following a long illness. He was born in rural Argyle May 13, 1930, to Joseph and Nellie (Nelson) Martin. Alton grew up on the home farm west of Argyle and lived there most of his life. He graduated from Argyle High School in 1947, and received a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, in 1951. Alton served in the U.S. Army from 1951 until 1953, and was in the Counter Intelligence Corps stationed in Germany.
Following the death of his brother, Sherman, in 1953, Alton returned home and farmed in partnership with his brother, Clayton, and family.
Alton married Dorothy Hendrickson on October 4, 1959, at Argyle Methodist Church. Alton and Dorothy retired from active farming in 1995, and lived on the farm until November 2012, when they moved to Glarner Lodge assisted living home in New Glarus.
Alton was a lifelong member of Yellowstone Lutheran Church, rural Blanchardville, serving on the church council and as Financial Secretary. He was a Farm Bureau member, vice president of Lafayette County Farm Bureau and president of Lafayette County Farmco Cooperative.
He was elected to the Lafayette County Board in 1982, and was vice chairman of the board, as well as chairman of the Finance Committee, retiring from the board in 2004. He also served on the Lafayette County Fair board for many years.
Alton was active in the Argyle American Legion Post #251, serving as the Adjutant for many years. The Legion Post recently presented Alton with a certificate recognizing him for 60 years of membership.
Alton played many sports, including high school football, basketball and baseball, and American Legion baseball. He enjoyed watching and cheering for the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Braves and Brewers, and Wisconsin Badgers.
Alton is survived by his wife: Dorothy, and one brother: Clayton, both of New Glarus; two sons: David (Beth) Martin of Oswego, IL, and Ron (Beth) Martin of Fort Atkinson, WI; six grandchildren: Cynthia, Katherine, Brenda and William Martin, and Aaron and Emily Martin. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: Sherman; and sister-in-law: Margaret (Hendrickson) Martin.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 19, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. at Yellowstone Lutheran Church, 4472 Saints Road in rural Blanchardville, WI, with Rev. Daniel L. Bohlman officiating. Burial will be in Yellowstone Cemetery with military graveside rites to be accorded by Argyle American Legion Post #251. A visitation will be held Friday, April 18, 2014, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Erickson Funeral Home, 801 East Milwaukee Street in Argyle. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
Memorials may be directed to Yellowstone Lutheran Church, 4472 Saints Road, Blanchardville, WI 53516 Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County, 800 Clay Street, Darlington, WI 53530 or the Monroe Clinic Hospice, 515 22nd Avenue, Monroe, WI 53566.
Following the death of his brother, Sherman, in 1953, Alton returned home and farmed in partnership with his brother, Clayton, and family.
Alton married Dorothy Hendrickson on October 4, 1959, at Argyle Methodist Church. Alton and Dorothy retired from active farming in 1995, and lived on the farm until November 2012, when they moved to Glarner Lodge assisted living home in New Glarus.
Alton was a lifelong member of Yellowstone Lutheran Church, rural Blanchardville, serving on the church council and as Financial Secretary. He was a Farm Bureau member, vice president of Lafayette County Farm Bureau and president of Lafayette County Farmco Cooperative.
He was elected to the Lafayette County Board in 1982, and was vice chairman of the board, as well as chairman of the Finance Committee, retiring from the board in 2004. He also served on the Lafayette County Fair board for many years.
Alton was active in the Argyle American Legion Post #251, serving as the Adjutant for many years. The Legion Post recently presented Alton with a certificate recognizing him for 60 years of membership.
Alton played many sports, including high school football, basketball and baseball, and American Legion baseball. He enjoyed watching and cheering for the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Braves and Brewers, and Wisconsin Badgers.
Alton is survived by his wife: Dorothy, and one brother: Clayton, both of New Glarus; two sons: David (Beth) Martin of Oswego, IL, and Ron (Beth) Martin of Fort Atkinson, WI; six grandchildren: Cynthia, Katherine, Brenda and William Martin, and Aaron and Emily Martin. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: Sherman; and sister-in-law: Margaret (Hendrickson) Martin.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 19, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. at Yellowstone Lutheran Church, 4472 Saints Road in rural Blanchardville, WI, with Rev. Daniel L. Bohlman officiating. Burial will be in Yellowstone Cemetery with military graveside rites to be accorded by Argyle American Legion Post #251. A visitation will be held Friday, April 18, 2014, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Erickson Funeral Home, 801 East Milwaukee Street in Argyle. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
Memorials may be directed to Yellowstone Lutheran Church, 4472 Saints Road, Blanchardville, WI 53516 Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County, 800 Clay Street, Darlington, WI 53530 or the Monroe Clinic Hospice, 515 22nd Avenue, Monroe, WI 53566.