John Franklin Martinson

The funeral service for John Martinson, 89, of Marshall, will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshall. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the church.

John Franklin Martinson was born on January 18, 1937, in Clarkfield, MN, to Oliver and Clara (Ellingson) Martinson. He grew up in Clarkfield and graduated from Clarkfield High School in 1955. John was united in marriage to Sharon Paxton and to this union were born children Linda, Ronald, Robert, Sarah and Paul. John worked at the C-Bar-M Western Cheese Company in Clarkfield, MN, as a Jailor Dispatcher for the Lyon County Sheriff’s Department in Marshall, and was the owner and operator of Martinson Bail Bond Company.

John was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church. He was a member of the church Council, participated on the Lyon County Fair Board and was Past President of the local Saddle Club. He enjoyed his horses and participated in many horse shows. He also enjoyed attending races at Canterbury Park. John was especially fond of time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.

John died on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center. He is survived by his children Linda Martinson of Alexandria, Ron (Dawn) Martinson of Shakopee, MN, Bob (Mary Jo) Martinson of Marshall, Sarah (Dan) Best of Shorewood, MN, Paul (Crystal) Martinson of Alexandria; grandchildren Patrick (Taylor) Leary, Christopher (Maddie) Leary, Kaitlin Leary, Ashley (Darin) Anderson, Abbey Martinson, Grant (Belinda) Martinson, Claire (Kaden) Woodrich, Connor Martinson, Molly Best, Alexander Martinson, Oliver Martinson; great-grandchildren Boston Leary, Crosby Leary, Poppi Leary, Declan Leary, Jameson Ficenec, Jaxson Ficenec, Reggie Anderson, Loretta Anderson, Irving Anderson, Graham Martinson; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Rachel Best, siblings Olivine Haroldson, Eileen Brovold, Doris Brovold and Russell Martinson and other relatives and friends.