Republic- Kenneth E. Martin age 87, of 453 Republic Ave. passed away on November 29, 2017 at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans while in the loving care of his family and nursing home staff.

Kenneth was born in Chicago, IL on February 13, 1930 to the late Rufus and Mae (Windahl) Martin. He grew up in Republic and attended Republic Schools. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving from 1951 until 1953. Kenneth worked for Cleveland Cliffs Mining Company for over 40 years, retiring as a crusher foreman.

Kenneth loved to hunt, fish, spend time in his trailer, and animals, dogs and cats were his best friends. He enjoyed country music, was an excellent mechanic who could fix anything, and he loved visiting his friends for coffee in town.

Kenneth is survived by his 4 children- Garry Martin, Larry (Linda) Martin, Brian Martin, Michael (Kimberly) Martin, sister- Shirley (Wayne) Bartle, 11 grandchildren- David, Vanessa, Aaron, Tiffany, Wade (Mary) Chris, Amy, Travis, Josh, Ellie, Grace, 4 great grandchildren- Lillee, Brayden, Cameryn, Summer, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife- Mary Lou (Olson) Martin, brother- Charles "Chuck" Martin, sister-in-law- Jean Olson, Brothers-in-law- Elmer Olson, Sanfred Olson, Sister-in-law- Eleanore Etelamaki, and Daughter-in-law- Tammy Martin.

Kenneth's family will greet relatives and friends from 1:00 pm-2:00 pm on Thursday, December 7, 2017 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic where funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm with Rev. Kevin Kaiser officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the Republic VFW. Inurnment will take place in the Republic Twp. Cemetery.

A luncheon will follow the services in the church fellowship hall.

Kenneth's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .