Arthur Jerrold Martin Sr. died on February 22, 2023, in Park Rapids, MN, following complications from heart disease. He was the eldest of 6 children, born to Fredrick and Florence (Gyllenborg) Martin on June 7, 1933, in Duluth, MN. 

Art was a man of great character with a friendly disposition. After graduating from Central High School in 1951 he married Paddy Lien in 1952, to whom he was married for almost 67 years. 

Paddy died in 2019. Together they had 4 children. Art Jr., Robert, Susan, and Terryl. 

In addition, Art had the proud responsibility to rear and care for his brothers, Fred and Jerry, and sister, Bernadette. 

Art worked for Armour Meat Company and served 9 years in the National Guard as Staff Sergeant. In 1961 he became a Duluth Police Officer. He served for almost 25 years, retiring as a Sargeant Detective. Art was proud to be a Master Mason of Free and Accepted Masons, Past Worshipful Master of Duluth Lodge #281, three times past Worthy Patron for Lakeside Chapter #225, Order of the Eastern Star, membership in Keystone Chapter NO. 6 Cryptic Masons, and Past Commander of the Duluth Commandery NO. 18 Knights Templar, all York Rite bodies. He was a 32nd degree Mason of Scottish Rite, and a member of the Duluth AAD Shrine.

Art and Paddy loved to travel, camp, and visit. They especially enjoyed winters in Apache Junction, AZ.

They built their dream home on Loon Lake in Vergas, MN in 1994. Art moved to Crystal Brook Senior Living in Park Rapids, in 2019. 

Art will be remembered for his love and devotion to family, sense of humor, and great storytelling.  Many were blessed by his generosity. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Paddy, son Robert, daughter-in-law Linda Martin, granddaughter Jennifer Martin, brother Fred, sisters Randine Okeneski, and Valerie Ciurleo.

He is survived by son Art Jr. (Jayne) Park Rapids, MN., daughters Susan (Michael) Summers Vergas, MN. and Terryl (James) Larva Cincinnati, OH., brother Jerry (Linda) Martin Otter Tail, MN., sister Bernadette Katich Duluth, MN., brother-in-law Thomas Ciurleo Duluth, MN. Five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. 

As per Art’s wishes no funeral service will be held. Private family interment at a later date. Memorials are preferred to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Frazee, MN. 

Arrangements handled by Twin Cities Cremation in St. Paul, MN.