Jimmy Lee Martens

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Jimmy Lee Martens, age 75, of Garretson, died on September 20, 2012, at his home near Garretson. Funeral services will begin at 1:30 P.M. Monday, September 24, 2012, at the United Church of Garretson. Visitation with the family present will be from 3-6:00 P.M. Sunday, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson.                 Jim was born on February 13, 1937, at Garretson, South Dakota, to Henry and Jennie (Meier) Martens. He attended country school District 34 until moving with his family to the farm where he currently lived and graduated from Garretson High School in 1955. Jim helped his dad farm until his father’s death in 1959, when he then took over the farming operation.                 On December 19, 1959, Jim married Margie Sorenson at Palisade Lutheran Church. In addition to farming, Jim was Police Chief of Garretson, and a Garretson School Bus Driver for several years. He was an active member of the United Church of Garretson, and enjoyed fishing, bowling, golfing, and camping. He loved watching his children and grandchildren’s sporting events through the years.                 Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Margie, Garretson; children: Jeff (Sheila), Garretson, Deb (Bob Jr.) Bankes, Garretson, Julie (Leo Jr.) Her Many Horses, Lander, Wyoming, Sheryl (Bob Nielsen) Martens, Beresford, Paul (Michele), Brandon, Janice Martens, Owatonna, Minnesota, and Tony (Annette), Garretson; 17 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Betty (Ken) Greinke, Garretson. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles; and sisters: June, Ardyce, and Ann.