Alpha Edna Martin

Alpha Edna Martin passed away peacefully on January 16, 2024, surrounded by her loving husband Earl and her children.

She was born Alpha Edna Eull in St. Michael Minnesota to Leone and William Eull.  When she was 12, she was sent to boarding school at St. Francis in Little Falls MN.  She worked several different jobs at St. Gabriels hospital as part of her schooling.   After graduating she worked in Minneapolis at Pillsbury and Direct Service Oil.  She was a member of the St. Michael Parish Adult choir and would commute back from the cities to practice.   In 1952 she married the love of her life, Earl.   She told people “I picked a good one.”  And it was proven by the 71 great years they had together.   They made their home on Parkview Blvd in Robbinsdale where they raised their 5 children until moving to New Hope in 1968.

Alpha enjoyed staying home and raising her children.  She was a calm, caring and fun mom.  When her children were all in grade school, she began working at Prudential Insurance company.  First part-time so she could still be home when her kids were off school.

She worked at Prudential for 26 years, retiring in 1991.    During her years there, she worked in many different departments.  When they moved the claims department to another state, she was trained to do computer coding for payroll processing.  She ended her career as an Assistant Programing Analyst. She was one smart, adaptable woman.

Alpha enjoyed many types of dancing including waltz, polka, cha-cha, swing, and fox trot, but not the tango.   She attended many high school musicals and watched the classics -- There wasn’t a show tune that she couldn’t sing along with.  Wheel of Fortune was watched daily.  She was an avid reader; mysteries, history and self-help books.  Multiple generations joined her in puzzle making. She and Earl played cards every night.

She had lovely flower beds and bountiful vegetable gardens.    She was a member of the New Hope Garden club (they tended the community gardens), the Holy Name Quilters and the Cookie Cart in Minneapolis.  She was a devout Catholic throughout her life, not just attending but volunteering her time at the annual garage sale, folding bulletins, and making food for funerals.   She loved traveling with family and friends, and especially enjoyed the week-long family gatherings at the Bull-Inn and the Berv-Inn at the lake homes up north.

She always had a positive attitude toward life.  When she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 13 years ago, she was very open about it, telling people she might forget their name and why.  She gave up driving as she never wanted to be lost and her loving husband stepped right up to be her private chauffeur.   While it stole so many great memories it never robbed her of her caring spirit, her love of all things social, and her humor.  She never forgot the names of her family or how to play 500.

She is survived by her husband Earl, Children: Kathy (Tim) Garry, Jim (Laura) Martin, Patti Bullen & Barb Martin, Son-in-law Stan Berven; 8 Grandchildren: Jenny, Josh, Michael, Amy, Emily, Katy, Rose, Sean; 2 Step-Grandchildren: Peter, Becky; 12 Great Grandchildren: Sydney, Jill, Ruby, Alex, Mila, Franny, Henry, Jack, Ellowyn, Finn, Clive, Gracie ; Sister, Labelle (Ed) Zeller and Brother, Marvin (Gretchen) Eull; Sister-in-law Betty Eull,  and many nieces and nephews.   Preceded in death by her Daughter Mary Jo Berven and Son-in-Law Carl Bullen, Siblings Selmer, Loran, Lee.

Funeral Mass 2PM Saturday January 27, with visitation at 1PM, at Holy Name of Jesus Church,155 County Rd 24, Wayzata. Reception following Mass.  Private Burial 10am Monday January 29, 2024 at Fort Snelling.   In lieu of flowers donations may be made to charity of your choice.