Doris Martin

A Funeral Service for Doris Martin, age 99, of Spirit Lake will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 11:00am at the Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Visitation will take place prior to the service from 10:00-11:00am. Interment will be at St. Margaret Cemetery in Spirit Lake.

Memorial contributions in honor of Doris can be given to: Friends of the Spirit Lake Library 702 16th Street Spirit Lake, Iowa 51360.

Doris Mae Martin was born on April 19, 1926, in Mishawaka, Indiana, to Charles and Marie (Dunkelberger) Birtwhistle. On May 6, 1946, she married the love of her life, Richard Martin, in her hometown of Mishawaka. She was a prime example for her children as a loving and supportive spouse. Everyone knew how much Richard and Doris loved each other and it became a goal that many set for themselves in their own life.

Richard’s career took their family to several communities over the years, including Bloomington, Dixon, Downers Grove and Quincy, Illinois, Marshalltown, Iowa and eventually Spirit Lake, Iowa, where they retired in 1983. Wherever they lived, Doris made a happy home, never short of pies and cookies. Doris enjoyed fishing, reading novels, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and was a jelly maker, especially red and black raspberry. Doris also enjoyed an afternoon cocktail with friends at the VFW.

They wintered in Rockport, Texas for over twenty years where she made many Texan friends. She loved to feed the birds, especially the hummingbirds. Doris later moved into Keelson Harbour where she never missed morning exercise and their happy hour.

She approached life with quiet strength, grace, and humor. She often joked about and was proud that she outlived one of her doctors and even a favorite cherry tree. Doris passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025, in Spirit Lake, Iowa at ninety-nine years of age.

Doris is survived by her children, Linda Kraut (Charlie) of Spirit Lake, Iowa, Richard L. Martin (Martha) of Kimberling City, Missouri, Mary G. Ebert (Doug) of Quincy, Illinois and Laurie Stayton (Lonnie) of Sun Lakes, Arizona; six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren who brought her great joy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her parents; and two brothers.