Stephen Martin
January 27, 2014
Stephen Mark Martin, 56, was born February 17, 1957 in Charles City, Iowa, the son of James and Neva (Reis) Martin. He passed away Monday, January 27, 2014 at Bright Kavanagh House in Des Moines.
Steve enjoyed his time working at Dee Zee and DCI where he made many lifelong friends. He was very handy and could fix anything. Steve had quite the green thumb and loved landscaping and working in the yard with his wife, Jeri. They had a great system in which she would purchase the plants and flowers, and he would plant them. He was very particular, keeping things organized and put away, which is why he was lovingly known as “neat freak.”
Steve did not consider his self a huge sports fan, but came to love Georgia football the past couple of years. He was a Star Trek fanatic and loved the show MASH. He enjoyed listening to music, especially REM, Drive-By-Truckers, the Beatles, Led Zepplin, and U2; he was a ‘hippie at heart’ and a child of the 60’s. Steve also enjoyed dabbling a little on his guitar when he found time.
Above all else, Steve treasured his family. He always supported his children in their many activities, whether it was sports or dance. Steve was a proud “O’Pa” to his grandchildren, cherishing the time he spent playing with them and their numerous video chats.
Steve is survived by his wife, Jeri Martin; children, Erin (Brad) Beasley, Josh (Liz) Shelp and Kati Martin; grandchildren, Owen and Bennett; mother, Neva Martin; siblings, Bob (Jan) Martin, Rick (Sandy) Martin, Bill (Linda) Martin, Kathy (Dave) Schultz and Tom (Koke) Martin; sister-in-law, Jan Kittleson; numerous nieces and nephews; other loving relatives and special friends. He was preceded in death by his father, James Martin and his brother, David Martin.
Memorial visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2014 at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW. A Celebration of Life will be 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, February 1, 2014 at the VFW Boline-Manfredi Post 9662, 1309 NE 66th Ave. in Des Moines. Inurnment will take place at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to establish a college fund for Steve’s daughter, Kati.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Kathy Martin-Schultz
12/30/2015
It's been almost 2 years since the Lord called my brother to be with Him. While I miss Steve here, on earth, I know he's in a better place and feeling fine. No more suffering. I'll see you again, Bro, when my days on this earth come to an end.
Jim Freiberg
02/02/2014
I was sorry to here about Steve, and my condolences to his family, I have many wonderful of memories of Steve during are high school years that I will always look back at and remember him. May he rest in peace
Michael & Mary Ann McMurry
02/01/2014
We have had many good times with Steve and Jeri over the years and, indeed, will cherish those memories. Our deepest condolences to his family.
Celia Feltus (Erin's aunt)
01/29/2014
In addition to being a brother-in-law, Steve was a good friend to me when Erin was a little girl. I agree with the descripion of Steve as a "hippie," in the very best sense of the word---a kind and gentle person and a good Dad, with his values in all the right places. My thoughts are with you. I know you will miss him very much. May he rest in peace.
Rose Foxwell
01/29/2014
Jeri-I am so sorry to hear about Steve. I am sure the journey has been horrible but you can be in peace that he is in a better place. You are all in our prayers that God will bring peace to you and the kids in a big way. I am so sorry this had to happen. We love you dear friend!
Mary Straub (Erin's former co-worker at The R&B)
01/29/2014
Dear Martin family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May your wonderful memories of time together help you smile through your tears.