Martin Gilman Jurgenson was born November 23, 1888, to Mathias and Marie (Severts) Jorgenson on his father's homestead, now a part ot the village of Clarkfield, Minnesota. At the age of three, his mother passed away. His aunt Christine, became his second mother. She passed away when he was eleven. Three years later, Johanne Vik became his mother. She passed away January 11, 1960, and his father on August 9, 1939. Martin was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith being a member of the now, Clarkfield Lutheran Church, all his life. Not only was he a loyal member but served the congregation as custodian for 34 years. He was noted for his beautiful tenor voice and used this talent to the utmost in his church and community life. He was active in most Clarkfield singing groups, including the male chorus. Martin began his newspaper career in 1922 and was associated with his brother, Erling, at the local Advocate office until his retirement in 1954, the two being in partnership until 1939. During these years he was active in community affairs and influential in organizing the first business organization. On December 3, 1916, he was united in marriage to Annie Hanson, and four years ago the couple observed their golden wedding with all the children present. During their early years, Martin undertook several ventures. He and his brother, George, operated a blacksmith ship in town, taking care of plow share work for the farmers, wagon wheel repair and horse-shoeing. Later; as the automobile became popular, the blacksmith shop drifted into automobile repair and service station work. Martin and Annie farmed for a brief time and he also worked with E.W. Bergren in garage work at Canby, Minnesota, and locally in insurance work. All this was prior to his entry into the newspaper work. Martin and Annie became the parents of five children: Mrs. Marion Carlson of Stillwater, Minnesota, Robert Jurgenson of Eugene, Oregon, Harris Jurgenson of Dallas, Oregon, Katherine (Mrs. E.H. Engelstade) of Des Plaines, Illinois, and Marlene (Mrs. Elmo Sanvig) of Clarkfield. The family has occupied the present home the past forty-four years. Martin is the last of his original family. His sister, Martha (Mrs. Henry Hanson) and brothers, George and Severin, preceded him in death. Also preceding him is a brother, Bennet, and son-in-law, Dr. Russell Carlson. Along with his wife, Annie, and children, he is survived by 16 grandchildren; one great granddaughter; sisters and brothers: Mrs. Mildren Beldin of Petoskey, Michigan, Mrs. Judith Hanson of Faribault, Arden and Erling of Clarkfield. IN MEMORY OF Martin G. Jurgenson Born November 23, 1888 ~ Passed away April 6, 1970 Funeral Services Thursday, April 9, 1970, 2:00 p.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Officiating, Rev. C. M. Bagaason Organist, Mrs. Ronald Donner Vocal Music, Mrs. Esther Lynne "I Look Not Back" "Children of the Heavenly Father" Honorary Casket Bearers Nels Morland ~ Bert Lee Iver Lee ~ Herman Otterholt William Nelson ~ Albert Martin Casket Bearers