McCOOK, Nebraska -- Joann W. Martin went to be with her Triune God Aug. 27, 2012, after a short battle with an aggressive form of cancer. She passed away in her sleep at Hillcrest Nursing Home with her husband, Paul C. Martin, of 56 years at her side.
She was born Feb. 17, 1935, to William C. and Henrietta (Kisker) Hofman and raised on the family farm southeast of McCook. She attended St John's Lutheran Parochial School through the eighth grade and graduated from McCook High School in 1952. Joann attended nursing school and worked a short time in McCook as a nurse at a local doctor's office.
She married Paul C. Martin Jr. on May 27, 1956, at St. John's Lutheran Church.
Joann's life revolved around service to her God, church, family and others in the community exemplified by her volunteer work for the Community Hospital Auxiliary and St. John's Ash Creek Women's Guild. Joann enjoyed cooking, sewing, crocheting, gardening, and was a faithful attendee of weekly lap swims at the YMCA. She far exceeded her goal in life of living a life as a true Christian woman that included being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and caring friend. Preceding her in death were her parents, brothers Harvey and Dean Hofman, grandson Keith Ryan Martin, and sister-in-law Ramona Hofman.
Survivors include husband, Paul C. Martin; children, Cameron (Kathy) Martin (McCook), Douglas (Rita) Martin (Rockford, Illinois); grandchildren, Dawn and Michael Martin, both from Rockford, Illinois; nieces, Peggy Stoltenberg (Norman, Oklahoma), Tammy Hlavaty (North Platte), and nephew Brent Hofman (McCook).
Funeral services and burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. John's Lutheran Church and Cemetery at Ash Creek. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday at Herrmann Funeral Home in McCook.
Memorials may be given in her name to St. John's Lutheran Church.
Herrmann Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.