Linda Mae Martens

FUNERAL SERVICES: 11:00 A.M., Thursday, February 12, 2009 at the Oylen Christian & Missionary Alliance Church in Oylen, MN LINDA MAE MARTENS January 26, 1951 " February 9, 2009Linda Mae Martens, age 58 of Nimrod, MN formerly of Motley, MN, passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter, Kim Benson southeast of Nimrod on Monday, February 9, 2009 following a valiant battle against cancer. Linda was born on January 26, 1951 in St. Paul, MN to Robert and Celestine (Pesek) Johnson. She attended the St. Casimers Catholic Elementary School on the St. Paul"s east side through the eighth grade. She attended the Monroe Public High School from where she graduated with the Class of 1969. As a young woman, Linda went to work as a cashier and accountant for a small neighborhood grocery store. In 1969, Linda was united in marriage to Walter Lake in St. Paul. This union was blessed with three children: Troy, Kim and Robert "Bobby". Linda devoted herself to making a loving home for her family. She was a wonderful cook and baker who will be long remembered for her delicious barbequed ribs. Later, when her children were grown, Linda moved to Motley, MN where she worked as a cook at Mr. Ed"s Restaurant and also as a production worker at the Trident Seafood Company. Linda was very gifted in working with her hands. She enjoyed quilting and made many gifts for her children and grandchildren. Over the years she also sewed many clothing items for her family. She enjoyed completing embroidery projects and also build doll houses complete with her own handmade doll furniture. Linda would travel to numerous area craft shows and sell her creations. Above all, Linda devoted her entire life to her children and grandchildren who she loved with all her heart. Linda will be lovingly remembered by her son, Troy (Ronni) Lake of White Bear Lake, MN and Kim (Byron) Benson of Nimrod, MN; eleven much loved grandchildren; her sister, Candi Holmberg of Motley, MN and her brother, Rodney (Kathy) Johnson of Southern MN; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Linda was preceded in death by her son, Robert "Bobby", her parents and two brothers: Billy and David. A memorial service will be held 11:00 A.M., Thursday, February 12, 2009 at the Oylen Christian & Missionary Alliance Church in Oylen, MN with Reverend Neal Malcore officiating. The congregational hymns will be: "Take My Life & Let It Be", "Make Me A Blessing" & "Crown Him With Many Crowns". A recorded musical tribute will be "In The Arms Of The Angels" by Sarah McLauchlan. The Honorary Casketbearers will be her grandchildren: Robert Lake, Cory Schintz, Krystal Lake, Brianna Lake, Jordan Olson, Jerad Olson, Anessa Lake, Hayley Lake-Benson, Jessica Benson, Cassandra Benson and Hunter Beedle. A luncheon will be hosted at the church following the service for all to attend. Funeral arrangements provided by the Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home serving Menahga & Sebeka, MN.