Geri Caffrey Martin

Geri Martin, age 74, of Schaller, Iowa died October 16, 2010 at her home in Schaller. Geri Caffrey Martin was born December 21, 1935 in Clear Lake, Iowa. Her parents were Virgil and Mildred Caffrey. As a child they moved frequently, living in Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Arkansas. Geri enjoyed spending time outside with her dad, helping with various livestock and other outside chores. Geri graduated from Mercer High School in Mercer, Missouri. She attended Buena Vista College and earned her teacherâ€™s certificate. She taught in country schools around the Storm Lake area. In 1957 she met Lyle â€˜Abeâ€™ Martin at the Cobblestone Ballroom in Storm Lake. It was love at first sight and they eloped two weeks later in Alpha, Minnesota. They had four children: Rebecca, Diann, Anthony and Missy. In 1975, Diann was killed in a bicycle accident. Three years later, in 1978, Rebecca died in an accident. At that time, Lyle and Geri adopted their 5th child, Brandon. Many would say that the Martinâ€™s had a â€˜tragicâ€™ life, but their strong love for one another and sense of family brought them great strength and they were able to cope with all the challenges they faced. Lyle and Geri shared a very close relationship and depended heavily on one another to face the â€˜curvesâ€™ life threw at them. Their children were privileged to witness â€˜true loveâ€™ between their parents and always knew they could count on both of them. Lyle and Geri raised strong, independent children who are grateful to their parents for the love, support and examples they set for them. Lyle passed away in 1995, leaving a legacy of love, strength, honor and courage, things Geri kept with her the rest of her life. Geri passed away peacefully at her home in Schaller on October 16, 2010. Geri enjoyed spending time with friends and family, fishing, playing games with friends she had met on the Internet and playing with her dogs. Geri was preceded in death by her parents, 2 of her beloved children, a brother and other friends and loved ones. Left to carry on the legacy of love, strength, honor and courage are her children. Anthony Martin of Schaller, along with his two sons, Alaxandar of Schaller and Zackary of Iowa City. Missy Petersen and Tim of Red Oak, Iowa along with their five children, Cayla of West Des Moines, Mike of Red Oak, Corey of Red Oak, Alison of Davenport and Kristine of Red Oak. Brandon and Jen of Mechanicsville, Maryland, and their children, Colton and Kaitlyn. Her â€˜babies,â€™ her beloved Daschund Petra and her Yorkie, Bengy. Her sister, Lee Huddelston and Dick of McIntire, Iowa. Countless other relatives and friends.

Geri Caffrey Martin

December 21, 1935 - October 16, 2010