Esther A. Martin passed away Sunday December 19 at Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers where she had been a resident for 14 months. She previously lived at 907 Washington Avenue in Escanaba, and briefly at Fairview Manor in Gladstone.
She was born Esther Ann Jokinen September 21, 1922 to Jacob and Mary (Myllemaki) Jokinen and was raised in Rock, MI. She graduated from Rock High School in 1941. She lived briefly in Detroit, where she met and married Sylvester P. Martin. They made their home in Gladstone, where he preceded her in death in 1967. Esther then moved to Escanaba where she worked at the Gamble’s Store, and later at the Delta County Treasurer’s Office until her retirement in 1985. While in Escanaba Esther was an active member of Christ The King Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir and served in the Sewing Circle. She was presently a member of First Lutheran Church in Gladstone, where she also served in the Sewing Circle. She was a lifetime member of the R.C. Hathaway Chapter of Eastern Stars. She loved to play cards and listen to her Yanni music. She made wonderful coffeecakes and rye bread for friends and family alike. She doted on her family, and will be fondly remembered by her many friends.
Besides her husband and parents, Esther was preceded in death by her brother Reino.
She is survived by one son, David W. Martin of Green Bay, WI., one daughter Judy (Paul) Hammond of Gladstone, 6 grandchildren, 3 Great Grandchildren, one sister, Edith Schwartz of Redford, MI, one sister-in-law, Shirley Jokinen of Fraser, MI and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Esther A. Martin will be Wednesday December 22 at First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. Visitation will be from 2:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. at First Lutheran Church in Gladstone with services immediately following at the church. Services will be jointly conducted by Rev. Jonathan Schmidt and Rev. Peter Andersen. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Memorials may be directed to either Christ The King Lutheran Church in Escanaba or to First Lutheran Church in Gladstone.