Darold E. Martin

Darold E. Martin
July 22, 1927 • July 10, 2024
Darold Eugene Martin, 96, died Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Scandi Haven Village in Benson, Minnesota. Visitation will be held Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Benson. Visitation will continue from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 19, 2024, at the church, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at the Benson City Cemetery.
Darold was the son of Lester and Anna (Zimmerman) Martin. He was born July 22, 1927, in Faribault, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Faribault and graduated from Faribault High School in 1944.
Darold served in the United States Navy, being stationed in San Diego, California, until the end of World War II. June 15, 1952, Darold was married to Donna Mae Peterson in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. They were married nearly 70 years in 2022 at the time of Donna’s death. They were blessed with four children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Darold and Donna made their first home in Park Rapids, Minnesota, where they owned a small grocery store on main street. In 1956, they moved to Morris, Minnesota, and began a business partnership with Darold’s brother Willie. The partnership grew in 1957 when Darold and Donna moved to Benson and purchased the store that is still Darold’s SuperValu today. Darold loved Benson and was proud to call it his home.
“The Store” became Darold’s life work as witnessed by his many loyal employees and customers. Customer service was a top priority. He loved to visit with and carry-out groceries for his customers.
Darold and Donna enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Their favorite spot was the island on Lake of the Woods where they entertained many people over the years.
With the passing of Donna in 2022, Darold moved to Memory Care at Scandi Haven Village, where he received great care. We thank the staff for that care.
Darold was a longtime member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. He knew, loved, and trusted in the Lord, and is now with Him in heaven.
Darold is survived by his children: Debra Kennetz, Dave (Lori) Martin, Denice (Bruce) Conyers; grandchildren: Jill (Derrick) Huston, Anthony (Nicole) Kennetz, Julie (Reid) Nicklason, Kristy Kennetz, and Daniel Martin; great-grandsons: Benjamin Nicklason, Levi Nicklason, and Alexander Huston; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Darold was preceded in death by his wife Donna Martin, parents Lester and Anna Martin, daughter Diane Sherry, son-in-law Paul Sherry, granddaughter Angela Sherry, brother Willie Martin, sisters-in-law Rachel Martin and Gen Morrissey, and brothers-in-law Wayne Morrissey and Gerald Peterson.
Blessed be the memory of Darold Martin.
Arrangements are with the Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson.