Donald died Thursday evening, September 23, 2010, at the Johnson Memorial Hospital at the age of 75. Visitation was on Sunday, Sept 26, from 5-7 PM with a closing prayer service at 7 PM at the Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home and at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service. Funeral service was at 10:30 AM, Monday, September 27, at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Kendall Stelter officiating; nephew, Pastor Kelly Wasberg gave a personal eulogy; grandson, Kyler read Psalm 23, Isaiah 35:3-4 and Matthew 11:28-30; granddaughter, Kelsey sang "You Raise Me Up", Jill Christie sang "Borning Cry", Jon Wager sang "The Lord's Prayer" and organist, Chris Lehne accompanied the congregation in "Shall We Gather At The River", "Here I Am Lord" and "On Eagle's Wings." Honorary casketbearers were friends: Harold & Ruth Solem, Dwight & Alta Roesch, Ron & Liz Erickson, Paul & Carnie Breberg, Doc & Sharon Skordahl, Linda Boraas, Merril Johnson & Shirley Kittelson, Charles Pearson, Charles Dale, Stanton & Sandy Smaagaard, Gen Bothun, Wayne & Shirley Anderson and the active casketbearers were nephews: Dale Kemen, David Kemen, Gary Kemen, Jeff Martinson, Kevin Martinson, and Mike Martinson. Interment was in Grace Lutheran Cemetery. Donald (Don) Dean Martinson was born to Peter and Alice (Erickson) Martinson on October 23, 1934, in Baxter Township of Lac Qui Parle County. He was baptized at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Baxter in 1934 and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Dawson. Donald graduated from Dawson High School in 1952, and joined the National Guard, where he served for 13 years. Don was united in marriage to Jane Wasberg on a stormy winter night on November 27, 1965, at Borgund Lutheran Church in rural Madison. Don and Jane resided on the Martinson family farm until the year 2001, when they moved to Dawson along the river that Don so enjoyed. Farming was Don's passion for 40 years. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to fish and hunt. He took many fishing and hunting trips with his friends to the Missouri river, Northern Minnesota, and Canada. He looked forward to going to "the lake" and visiting with friends and family. The lake was special to Don and was a place that he enjoyed spending his summer weekends. He was happiest when the whole family was gathered at the lake. His grandchildren were his greatest joy. He was very proud of each one of them. Sports were a large part of Don's life: between reading Sid Hartman's column, and watching the Twins, Blackjacks, Vikings, or Gophers, he never missed a beat. He enjoyed visiting and having coffee with friends, making his daily rounds at the Coop Cafe, Farmers Elevator, Coop Fertilizer plant and Erickson Chevrolet as his health allowed. His quick wit and sense of humor could fill a room. Don was a member of various organizations during his lifetime, some of which included the Farmers Coop Elevator Board, the Baxter township board, the American Legion and the American Legion Drill Team, Draft Board, and the Lac Qui Parle FSA board of directors. Donald passed away on Thursday evening, September 23, 2010, at the Johnson Memorial Hospital in Dawson at the age of 75 years and 11 months. Donald is survived by his wife, Jane, of Dawson; three children: Karen (Kurt) Collins of Dawson, Dean (Pam) Martinson of Dawson and Erika (Derrick) Kellen of Hutchinson; 8 grandchildren: Kelsey and Kyler Collins, Gaberial, Paige, Grant & Regan Martinson and Hadyn and Owen Kellen; sister, Phyllis (Bob) Kemen, of Dawson; sister-in-law, Evelyn Martinson of Alexandria; nieces, nephews and many wonderful family and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents; grandson, Jakob Sig Kellen; brothers: James Martinson and Vernon Martinson and his wife, Kathy; and nephews: Terry Allen, Tommy Martinson and Jordan Martinson. Blessed be his memory.