Rienhart Herbert "Marty" Martinson, of Eau Claire, WI, died Tuesday, December 2, 2003, at Luther Midelfort Hospital surrounded by his loving family. \r\nHe was born February 1, 1920, in Eau Claire, to Henry and Millie (Haug) Martinson. He graduated from Black River Falls High School. Drafted into the Army, he was stationed in North Africa and Italy during WWII, where he received the Purple Heart. Following his medical discharge in 1945, he worked in Knoxville, TN. He met his wife Eleanora Schmidt at the Ford Motor Company in Eau Claire, where they both worked. They were married on May 4, 1946, in Turtle Lake, WI, at the home of Eleanora's parents, Anton and Anna Schmidt. He also managed several gas stations in the Eau Claire area until his retirement. Post retirement work included activities working at Shopko and then Taco Bell, where he worked until his recent illness. \r\nHe was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Eau Claire where he served on various committees. He was a Life Member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 305.\r\nMarty is survived by his wife of 57 years, Eleanora; son, Dave of Wickenburg, AZ; daughter Pam (Dennis) Christopherson of Eau Claire; five grandchildren, Chad and Jon Christopherson, Sara (Joe) Harris, Heidi and Todd Martinson; and one great grandson, Jordan Joseph Harris; many nieces and nephews.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Helmer, Carl and Norman; two sisters, Ruth Smith and Margaret Burkart.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, December 8, 2003, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Eau Claire with the Reverend Joel A. Hoelter officiating. Burial will be at the Rest Haven Cemetery in the Town of Washington. Friends may call one hour prior to services Monday at the church. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home is serving the family.\r\nMemorials in Rienhart's name may be directed to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 601 Fall St., Eau Claire, WI 54703.\r\n \r\n

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