Margie A. Martin

Marjorie A. Martin, 90, of Humboldt, passed away March 15, 2018 at Honor Health Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 7, 2018 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Humboldt. Visitation is from 4-7 p.m. Friday, April 6th at the Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home in Humboldt with a 7 p.m. scripture service and 3:45 pm rosary. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Humboldt. Following Mass and Margie’s interment services, a celebration of Margie and her daughter, Barbara’s life will be held in St. Mary’s Parish Hall. All are welcome.
In New Hampton, Iowa on a bright and sunny August 15 in 1927, a baby girl was born screaming and wearing high heels! The proud parents were Herman and Katie Schwickerath and the baby’s name was Margie. Now 90 years later and still wearing high heels, Margie danced her way to heaven.
Margie was always a responsible person, and during her summer vacation between 5th and 6th grade she got a job as a switchboard operator at Lawler telephone company where she stayed 24/7. Her parents would bring her food as she slept in the same room as the switchboard and commented that it was lonely and cold.
When school began, she continued her schooling, riding to school by horse and wagon, until she graduated from the 8th grade. At the age of 14, Margie and her dad went to town and Margie went to work at the Main Diner, her boss, Dan Harmon, making it clear she was to accept no shenanigans or inappropriate behavior from any customer! She lived and boarded with Mrs. Weigel in New Hampton.
Some time later a maid-Rite shop moved to town where Margie worked until taking a job at Scheith Ace Hardware. This was an upscale store configured like a double store, a section for hardware and a section for beautiful dishes, pots and pans, and household items. Margie was put in charge of the ladies section where she began to develop her interior decorating skills. During that time she was falling in love with John Martin and the couple was united in marriage on January 19, 1948.
In 1965, the decision was made to move to Humboldt. Margie and John established Martin Home Interiors that they owned and operated for over 35 years. She had an instant lover of her community, she served as Chamber President and a Chamber Ambassador, CYO Person of the Year, BPW Person of the Year, and one of the founding members of the Midwest Polka Fest. She was a graduate and teacher of the Dale Carnegie Public Speaking Course, belonged to Federal Women’s Club, St. Mary’s Society, and Toast Masters. They hosted foreign exchange students and she traveled to Europe with her daughter, Barbara and other family members to meet family from Germany.
Margie enriched Humboldt and Humboldt enriched Margie. Through her involvement, Margie’s children saw the love and compassion she had for her community and her church. Margie was a snowbird these last few years and was exited to return to Humboldt every spring.
Margie is survived by her children, Pat (Linda) Martin of Des Moines, Sherri (Gary) Myers of Humboldt, Kelly Martin of Des Moines; 7 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; Sisters, Patsy Stricke and Sr. Lucia Schwickerath; and brother, Ray Schwickerath. She was preceded in death by her first “young” love and husband of 57 years, John Martin; then blessed “old” love and husband of 6 years, Palmer Rurup; her oldest daughter, Barbara Anne Barnhill; parents, Herman and Katie Schwickerath; brothers, Virgil (Dolly) Schwickerath and Mark Schwickerath; and sister, Florence (Irv) Throndson.