William Martin

William A. Martin, 75, of Golden Oaks, formerly of Lake Nichols and Hermantown, died Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, at home.Bill was born March 4, 1936, in Duluth, to Guy and Florence Martin. He was a graduate from Hermantown in 1954, where he met the love of his life, Dawn Ruse. They were married in June 1955. Bill worked at the D.M.&I.R. as a welder at National Iron and retired in 2000 from Waste Management. He also worked at Super One Foods, Duluth Superior Blacktop and Halvor Lines.Bill was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Lake Nichols Association and, CC Riders Snowmobile Club.He liked to snowmobile and watch them race; take pontoon rides around Lake Nichols; watch NASCAR, the Minnesota Vikings and Hermantown hockey and football; and most of all he loved spending time with his family.He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dawn, in 2004; and his brother-in-law Terry Ruse.Bill is survived by his children, Terri (Terry Smith) Lennartson of Esko, Patti (Jim) Lufholm and Susie Stockinger both of Hermantown, and Guy (Rhonda Rhodes) of South Range; grandchildren Ryan (Cindi), Ricky (Janelle), Daniel, Michael (Erin), Rachel, Gary (Molly), Andy (Kate), Tiffany (Ryan) and Ashley (Kass); former granddaughter-in-law Amy; great-grandchildren Jake, Joe, Cadan, Tygan and Reese; and his sister-in-law, Carol Ruse.VISITATION: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, in the Dougherty Funeral Home and will continue 10 until the 11 a.m. service Friday, Feb. 24, in St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 4 Elizabeth St., Esko. Memorials preferred.Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. Second St., (218) 727-3555.