Marian (Goers) Martin (89) of Altamont

Marian Sylvia Goers Martin, 89, of Altamont died Saturday, February 20, 2016 at Lutheran Care Center in Altamont.

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 27 at 11am at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 203 E. Division Street, Altamont burial in Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11am Saturday. Kull Funeral Home in Altamont is assisting. Memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Altamont, Lutheran Care Center, or the donor's choice.

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She was born on September 10, 1926 to Louis Edgar and Edna Beata (Schwerdtfeger) Goers in Altamont, Illinois. She attended the University of Illinois for one year. She married Donald Max Martin on May 19, 1946. They were married 58 years when he passed away on April 28, 2004. They were blessed with one son, David Louis Martin born December 20 1950. In 1951 they moved to California and spent 42 years there. Marian enjoyed the ocean, mountains and beautiful variety of blooming plants. Marian realized that their home was entrusted to them by the Lord so its doors were always open to anyone who had a need, various meetings, Bible studies, short-time respite homes for missionaries, as well as providing for people with special needs. She shared Jesus with people who had developmental disabilities in Fairview State hospital as a volunteer. As a professional she developed and implemented a curriculum for Released Time Christian Education in California. Upon returning to Illinois, she volunteered in the E.A.S.T.E.R. Program at St. John’s Lutheran in Effingham also working with developmental disabilities people. One of her fondest memories of California was days spent in a weekly Intercessory Prayer Group where people from church and the streets came in to have people pray for them. She also made comforters for Lutheran World Relief, sewed lined zipper jackets for Korean orphans, volunteered at Lutheran Bible Translators, helped at the Braille Center, and prepared baked goods and candies for many of the local benefits. After health and mobility failed, she was an active encourager, sending out cards and notes, mostly to young people, to congratulate them for a special recognition or accomplishment. Marian touched lives, sharing with them their joys and sorrows by letting them know that someone noticed and someone cared.

Marian leaves behind her son David, and daughter in law Norma of Ora Valley, Arizona. When Marian’s health failed and she could no longer live alone, Vicki and Gene Robinson brought her into their home, adopted her, embraced her, and integrated her into their family thus bringing her joy and acceptance in her final days. This family includes; Gene and Vicki Robinson, their children; Lori (husband John Dixon), and William (wife Ann) Robinson and their grandchildren: Kiersten Edgar, (husband John), Zara Kasey, Samuel Robinson, and Anna Ruth Robinson. These also mourn her passing.

Marian was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Edna Goers, husband Donald Martin,  brother Armond Goers ,sister in law Lorene (Armond) Goers, sister in law Lera and her husband Melvin Long, Brother in law Lewis (Pat) Martin, and sister in law Betty and her husband Leroy Slifer.