Anthony "Tony" Martin

Anthony “Tony” Martin, age 51, of Schaller, Iowa died Friday, February 12, 2016 at his home in Schaller. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held Monday, March 14, 2016 from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established at the State Bank of Schaller in Tony’s name. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller is in charge of the arrangements. Anthony “Tony” Abe Martin was born on January 11, 1965 to Lyle “Abe” Martin and Geri Caffrey Martin. Tony was welcomed home by his older sisters Becky and Diane and 1.5 years later was not the youngest anymore and begrudgingly welcomed home his baby sister, Missy. As a child Tony was always on the go, having many childhood friends he liked to play outside with. One of Tony’s favorite games to play was, “car crash” where Tony would take all his hot wheels cars into the garage and lay on the floor driving them around, then suddenly they would have a car crash (at the hands of Dads hammer). Mom would have to take Tony to the Ben Franklin store in Storm Lake, to replenish his car inventory, or she liked to say stock up for the next go around. Tony attended Schaller Community School from kindergarten to graduation in 1983. Where he was involved in drama, music, and enjoyed being with his many friends. After High School Tony went to complete a year at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa later moving back to Schaller. Tony started working at Faith Hope and Charity in Storm Lake, where he met Donna Tews Martin and on December 12, 1987 they were united in marriage at the Methodist Church in Schaller. Donna had gotten a job offer at the State School in Glenwood. Iowa where they moved, making his new home in Glenwood with Donna and her mother, Dorothy or Wid, I am not really sure if anyone really knew her as Dorothy in Glenwood as everyone called her Wid, Tony had a knack for nicknames that stick. In 1988 Alaxandar “Alax” Lyle Martin was born into this union and then were blessed with Zackary “Zack” Anthony Martin in 1990. Tony loved everyone, but he loved his family the most and put their needs ahead of his own. Tony prided himself and being there for Mom and Dad and always being the rock for them. He became that rock for his parents when tragedy struck in 1975 with the passing of Diane his older sister, and in 1978 with the passing of Becky. This loss strengthened the bond between mother and son, highlighting Tony’s devotion to his parents. Abe passed away in July of 1995 from IPF and although very hard for Tony to do, he was his father’s care giver for many years before his passing. The love between Geri and Lyle was greater than a Hollywood movie, and Tony was the rock in his mother’s life after she lost her soulmate. After Abe’s passing, Tony began to care for his mother throughout the years, Geri was plagued with health issues and Tony was never put off by any of the struggle. Tony thrived on helping his family, his good will and heart infected everyone around him, and we know it helped Geri with her grief every day. This care a son had for his mother made their bond stronger and stronger with every passing day. While taking care of his mother, Tony lost Donna, in January of 2008. In this time of grief Alax came to live with dad. Tony loved having his boys closer and his infectious laugh took over the house of four when his son Zack temporarily moved in a couple years later. Tony and Geri had a mother son bond that could not be shaken, however when Geri passed away tragically in October of 2010, he was lost. Tony tried staying strong for everyone around him, but losing his mother, his best friend, confidant, the Ying to his Yang was more than he could survive. Tony always put a smile on his face and pretended that everything was just fine, when deep down he was so lost and alone without having his Mom by his side. Tony took his own life on February 12, 2016 so he could go be with Mom, Dad, Becky and Diane. Tony will be missed by many. He had many close friends and family that are left behind asking questions. What answers we do have are that Tony is finally at peace and where he wants to be, and Tony is with the family that he missed so dearly and we cannot change that. Tony would not have left any of us behind if he didn’t think we could be “Tony” strong for each other. Tony is survived by two sons; Alax Martin of Schaller, Iowa and Zack Martin and fiancée Emily Sackett of Cedar Falls, Iowa; sister, Missy Petersen and friend Tom Geer of Red Oak, Iowa; nieces: Cayla Bunce of Polk City, Iowa;; Alison Petersen of Moline, Illinois; and Kristine Webb and husband Brandon Webb of Rapid City, South Dakota; his loving dogs: Petra, Benji, Fred, and Lucy; close friends: Allyson Hartwig-Munger "A"; Lorrie “El-Roll” Roling; and many more friends who made his life full of joy.

Anthony "Tony" Martin

January 11, 1965 - February 12, 2016