Olga I. Martin, 96, of Eau Claire, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 29, 2007, at home.\r\nShe was born in Eau Claire on June 8, 1911, to Carl and Inga (Erickson) Pedersen. \r\nOlga married W. Ray Martin in Eau Claire on November 19, 1941. Ray preceded Olga in death in August 1994.\r\nShe graduated from the State Teachers College in Eau Claire and also received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Wisconsin State University, Eau Claire. She later was awarded a Master's Degree in Education from Stout State University in Menomonie. She was the first teacher at McKinley School, Eau Claire County, in 1931. In 1955 she became a supervising teacher for Eau Claire County visiting and assisting teachers in 35 schools. Ultimately, she became Elementary Coordinator for the Eau Claire School District. In all, Olga worked 42 years in teaching positions before her retirement in 1973. Olga cared deeply for her students and inspired them to achieve their full potential. Many of them continued to communicate with her.\r\nBecause of her commitment to teaching, Olga was a member of several organizations promoting education. She dearly loved First Lutheran Church where she was a life-long member.\r\nOlga is survived by her sister, Gladys Shannon; her brother, Einar (Beulah) Pedersen; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and devoted friends and neighbors.\r\nShe is preceded in death by her husband, W. Ray Martin, brothers, Marvin (Imogene) Pedersen, Trygve Pedersen, and Harvey (Dorothy) Pedersen; and her sister, Cornelia (Julien) Anderson.\r\nAlong with book learning, Olga taught her students and family the lessons of helping, sharing, and caring for each other. She will be missed and never forgotten.\r\nThe family wishes to extend their appreciation to the staff of Oakwood Villa with a special thanks to Sister Mary Jane, as well as the Visiting Angels, and Northwest Wisconsin HomeCare Hospice for helping fulfill Olga's wishes to be at home.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 1, 2007, at First Lutheran Church with Pastor Amy Odgren officiating. Burial will be in Lutheran Church Cemetery in Eau Claire. Visitation will be Friday, from 4 to 7 p.m. at First Lutheran Church and one hour prior to services Saturday at the church.\r\nIn lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Olga's name to First Lutheran Church, 1005 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54703, to the fund of the donor's choice.\r\n

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