Robert Martin, 90, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 13, 2026. Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 18, 2026 from 5-7 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 at Kinzley Funeral Home in Salem. Funeral service will be at St. Mary Catholic Church in Salem, on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 11 am. A private burial service will be held.
Robert James Martin was born July 12, 1935, to Edward and Loretta (Bierschbach) Martin. He was baptized and confirmed in St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Bristol. He received his formal education in schools in the Andover area while growing up on the family farm. Following his schooling, he joined his father and brother in the family farming operation. He joined the South Dakota National Guard (Webster unit) and achieved the rank of Master Sargeant. On June 26, 1965, in St. Anthony’s Church in Bristol, he married the love of his life, Karen Jensen. They were blessed with two daughters, Kathryn and MaryBeth. They purchased their own farm west of Bristol in 1966, where they operated a diversified business with hogs, cattle and grain farming. He was a true steward of the land. He loved the land and its animals, and although he retired in 2010, they continued to live on the farm until 2015 when they moved to Salem to be near family. Bob served on several Bristol area boards including St. Anthony’s Church board, Sun Dial Manor, several terms on the Bristol Schoolboard and was a long-time member of the Bristol Township Board.
Bob lived his life with honesty and integrity. His love of God and his family were most important. He especially enjoyed spending time with his wife, daughters, their husbands and his six grandchildren. He and Karen traveled and enjoyed many adventures.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Loretta Martin, brothers Donald and Lloyd and son-in-law Matthew Ellerbrock.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife Karen of over 60 years, daughters Kathy (Kurt) Stiefvater of Salem and MaryBeth Ellerbrock of Burlington, Wisconsin; his grandchildren Lauren (James) Nelson, Megan and Karlie Stiefvater, Nathan (Danielle) Ellerbrock, Jacob (Nicole) Ellerbrock and Joe Ellerbrock; and great-granddaughter Abilene Ellerbrock.
The family thanks the staff and administration of Firesteel Health Care Center in Mitchell and Avera Hospice. Their kindness, care and compassion was greatly appreciated. We also thank the community of Salem for all of their support.
