Robert Martin
May 14, 1942 ~ February 11, 2021
Robert James Martin, age 78 of Rochester, MN, and formerly of New Hampton, IA, died Thursday, February 11, 2021, at his home surrounded by his wife and children.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 20, 2021, at Holy Family Parish, New Hampton, with Rev. Brian Dellaert celebrating the Mass. Please join the family live on the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home Facebook page.
Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 19, 2021, at the Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton where there will be a 7:00 p.m. parish scripture service. Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass at the church on Saturday.
Robert, or Bob to most who knew him, was born in Calmar, IA on May 14, 1942, to Gladys (Nelson) and Veston Martin, and he was the eighth of nine children.
He grew up in Calmar and attended Calmar High School, which became South Winneshiek High School, where he excelled at any sport in which he participated, especially football and track. He was an outstanding quarterback and a school-record holder in several sprints, but Bob was more than just an athlete. He had the voice of an angel and was invited to sing at the prestigious Dorian Festival at Luther College. He shared his vocal talents throughout his life, beginning when he was 10 years old, continuing at many weddings (including his own and his children’s), and most recently in his parish in Rochester.
Bob graduated from high school in 1960, and although he had been offered a football scholarship by Upper Iowa University, he had three brothers who lived in the San Jose, California, area, so Bob and his best friend, Walt Hruska, decided to take the train out west and go to school at San Jose State. To help support himself through college, Bob worked in the circulation department at the San Jose Mercury News, where he was working on Nov. 22, 1963, the day President Kennedy was assassinated and for years, one of his prized possessions was the scrapbook he made detailing that day through the “extras” the Mercury News published.
Bob eventually ran out of funds and had to give up his dream of a college diploma and was drafted into the U.S. Army — serving his country in Texas and Louisiana. He received his honorable discharge in 1966 and returned to Calmar, intending it to be a “visit” but he ended up staying.
In the early 1970s, he was out with friends at a local tavern, where he played the most important foosball game of his life. His opponent was Pat Costigan, who had loaned Bob her “Carpenters” album so he could practice for a wedding; Pat gave him a hard time about not returning the album. This didn't stop the young couple from dating, falling in love and after a whirlwind courtship, the two were married on July 21, 1973.
The couple moved to Rochester where they lived for three years and welcomed their first child, Erin. In 1976, the family moved to New Hampton, IA, where Bob accepted the assistant manager position at C & H Lumber. In 1978, Bob and Pat completed their family with the birth of their son Casey, and in 1990, Bob began a 22-year career in plant operations for healthcare facilities, including St. Joseph Community Hospital and the Ossian Senior Hospice.
Bob was raised a Methodist, but when Erin was 7 years old, he decided that he would take the Catholic Church’s “First Communion” class with his daughter, and the two celebrated the big day together. Bob was an active member of St. Joseph’s Parish, New Hampton, serving on the Parish Council and sharing his vocal talents as a frequent cantor and soloist.
He was also incredibly civic-minded and served on the New Hampton City Council for 16 years before serving two full terms and part of another as mayor of the city he called home. Bob considered it a privilege and an honor to be involved in city government, and he treated his constituents and city employees with the utmost respect.
Bob’s best chapter, though, began in 2006, when he gained the title of “Papa” with the birth of the first of his five grandchildren. Oh my, how he relished his time with his grandchildren — buying them lottery tickets, treats, lots of nightcrawlers, and attending every sporting event and dance recital he could. His happiest place was in a boat with friends and family, with a fishing pole in his hand and the sun in his eyes.
Bob lived life to the fullest, and he put together a lifetime of good days, and while he will be dearly missed by his wife, his two children, those five lucky kids who had the best “Papa” in the world, his friends and the communities he served so well for so long, they are grateful that he is pain-free and serving his new community of Heaven as he did his communities here.
He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Pat, of Rochester, MN; his daughter, Erin Martin and her husband Dan Bochmann and their children Thatcher and Joe of Rochester; son, Casey and his wife Tasya and their children Lila, Rosa and Checka of Richfield, MN; two sisters, Lois Rausch of Fort Atkinson and Mary Lou Huber of San Jose, CA; one brother, Monte (Jean) Martin of Ossian, IA; sisters-in-law, Martha Martin of San Jose, CA, Vera Martin of Chesnee, SC, Molly Hormann of Decorah, Peg (Tom) Hove of Cresco; Brothers-in-law, Duke Hinker of Cedar Rapids, IA, Mike (Kate) Costigan of Conover, IA, Phil (Marguerite) Costigan of Caledonia, MN.
He was preceded in death by his parents Gladys and Veston Martin; In-Laws John and Lila Costigan; brothers Ray Martin, Richard Martin, Harold (Swede) Martin, John Martin, and sister Janet Hinker.
The Martin family would like to thank Drs. Marla DeWitt, Paul McKie, John Wilkinson, and Will Sandivassi; nurse Jan Rathlisberger of the Mayo Clinic; and the compassionate workers at Mayo Hospice for their outstanding care and support over these last few years.
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So sorry for your loss of a great husband, father and grandfather. He was a great man.Prayers to you guys
So sorry Pat and family. I can still remember his beautiful singing at mass. Prayers for comfort and peace.
My prayers to Pat and all the family, he was a great man.
Thoughts and prayers along with our sympathy to the Martin family.
So sorry to hear this. Sympathy to the whole family.
Prayers and hugs
I’m sorry for your loss!
Our sympathy Pat and to all of your loved ones.
We are so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers
So sorry Pat, Erin, and Casey and families. He was a great man. Hold close all your memories of him. Sending prayers if comfort your way.
Sorry for your loss, Sending prayers for the family 🙏
So sorry for your loss Pat and your family.
I am so very sorry to hear this Pat. My deepest condolences to all of your loving family.
So sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to you all.
Sorry for your loss
Pat and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember Bob working at the hospital. The head of maintenance. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Sarah and Tom Collins
so sorry for your loss
Sorry for your loss! Will be thinking of you all!
Sorry to hear this. My sympathies to all!
Thinking of you and sending prayers of comfort and peace.
Sending prayers🙏🏻
Sympathies to all your family, Pat.
Sorry for your loss.
So very sorry for your loss! Bob was such a fine man! He will be truly missed by many!!
Prayers to you Pat and family!🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thoughts and prayers are being sent to you Pat and your whole family. So sorry for your loss.
My Sympathy To You ALL!! God Bless!!
My sympathy and prayers for your family.
Pat, Erin and Casey. You have our deepest sympathy.
Dear Pat and family, I am so sorry to hear this. You have my deepest sympathy and prayers. Bob was such a special person.
Thoughts and prayers with you and your family, Pat!! So sorry for your loss
Pat and family, I am so sorry you have lost your love and the kids their Dad. My prayers and sympathy are being sent for your entire family.
Jan Manson
Our sympathy to you Pat and family. Prayers.
Pat and family, So very sorry for your loss. Hold tight to the your memories. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers! Hugs
Sorry for your loss!
Our sympathy and prayers
So sorry for your loss.
Pat, Erin ,Casey and family sorry for your loss, Bob was such a wonderful man!!Our love and prayers for all!!
He will be missed by many!!!❤❤🙏🙏
So sorry for your loss. Sympathy and prayers to the family!
So very sorry for your loss!!!!
Sending our deepest sympathy to the entire family! Thinking of you during this difficult time!
Prayers and sympathy to all the family!
So sorry for your loss Pat and family. Prayers for strength a d healing.
Our deepest sympathy to the families 🙏
Deepest Condolences To The Family
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayer to you all.
Our deepest sympathy to his family.
My deepest sympathy Pat, Erin, Casey and family. What a wonderful and kind human being. 🙏😢
Sympathy and prayers.
Bob was a great guy. I can still see him cantering at Church & he sounded great!
So sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss! Many fond memories working with him at the hospital! Prayers for you all during this difficult time! Memories are the best!
Pat and family, Hold close the memories of all your fun times, they will help you thru the rough days. I recall Bob from his days of working at the hospital, and of him leading us in song at church! May he rest in peace.
My condolences to you Pat, Erin, Casey and family. Prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers to Pat, Erin, & Casey. Sincere sympathy to all.
Sympathy and 🙏’s to all 😥
Pat and family so sorry to hear about Bob know that we are thinking of you and sending prayers !!
Pat, Erin, Casey and families, keeping you in thought and prayer. So sorry for your loss.
Our sympathy Pat, and family. You will miss him very much! Bob was one of a kind! prayers!🤲💯🙏🌈❤🙏🌹😂
So sorry for your loss! Prayers
So very sorry for your loss. Bob sang at our wedding.
Prayers for you and your family Pat.
Pat, Erin, Casey & families….. You have my sincere sympathy. I am so sorry for your loss. You know now you have a special guardian angel, flying high, pain free. God bless all of you….
Pat: God Bless you and your family. My sincere sympathy and prayers.
Pat and families, our thoughts and prayers with sympathies.
Pat and family, Our deepest sympathy to all of you in your loss of Bob. There are no words to ease you pain but please know your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Pat and family, you have our deepest sympathy. I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was such a nice and kind person. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. 🙏🏻
Pat and family, so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Always enjoyed when he came up and sang with the choir.
Pat, Erin and Casey you have our deepest Sympathy. Your families are in our prayers.
Pat, Erin, Casey, and families you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Treasure the memories. Bob was a special guy.
Sorry for your loss
Casey, Erin, Pat, and family – keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I will always remember Bob’s beautiful singing voice in church. Much love to you all.
Our sympathy to Pat, Erin, Casey and families…so sorry for your loss.
Dear Pat and Family, we are so sad to hear of Bobs death. We are holding you in our hearts as you grieve his loss.
Deepest sympathies to the Martin family.
Dear Casey, Erin and Family, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. I have fond memories of meeting him. My thoughts and prayers to you all.
Deepest sympathy to Bob’s family.
Pat, my deepest sympathy to you, Erin , Casey and their families and all of your extended family at this time of loss. Denny Samuelson Marion, IA
Pat and Family, so sorry to hear about Bob. We always enjoyed our conversation’s with you two. Sending prayer’s your way. Leo and Bev Dowd
Deepest sympathy to Pat & family
Mr. Martin, A gentle man, A man of God and country
Mr. Martin, A gentle man, A man of God and Country. The Rivera Family
Sending prayers to your family during this difficult time.
Our sympathy to Pat and the whole family on the loss of your beloved husband, father, nd grandfather. He was a good man and treated everyone with kindness and calmness. He was a true community leader and a wonderful person.
Pat and family, we are so sorry ✝️ He will always be in your hearts ♥️
God’s blessings on you all.
Jack & Nancy Anderson
Thoughts and prayers are with you Pat and your family. Bob was such a great guy!
He will always be in your hearts ♥️
Pat, we are thinking of you and keeping your family in our prayers. Patty and Lloyd Phillips
Extending our deepest sympathy to Bob’s family. There is no doubt he has joined the heavenly choir with that beautiful voice of his…I think about sitting in church listening in awe as he sang.
We are sorry for you and your families loss. Please let us know if there is anything your family needs. John 16:22
So sorry for your loss. Such a kind gentle man! I so much enjoyed choir and singing in small group with him. Heart of gold and the voice to match! God bless!!
Dear Casey, Tasya, Lila, Rosa and Checka, We are so sorry for your loss. Please know we are thinking of you with sympathy and affection.
With Deepest Sympathy
Sending our love and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Sorry for your lost he will be dearly missed, he was so good to all of us. Make you Rest in Peace. Love the Ray Martin Family
We give our sympathy to all the Family my you find rest in the Grace and Mercy from the Love of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. From. Connie & Wendell D’Albey. Sara & David Diaz, Chuck & Marlene Costigan, Luann Costigan, Vicky & Ed Thomas
from: Michael G.(Mick) Meyer Condolences to the Martin family. A wonderfully written biographical memorial. Bob and I shared our early childhood as well as being high school classmates and teammates. Fate seemed to further our connection. Since our names are close alphabetically, we were often seated adjacent to each other in classes and study hall, which led to many humorous incidents. And with both of our houses only a block from school (his east, mine north) we could both hear the school warning bell from our homes. That was our signal to head for school and we often met at the front door of the school as the last in, and seconds before the late bell. As one of 9 children, Bob’s household resources were very limited, but he never let that limit him in the successful pursuit of his many talents. In addition to the mentioned achievements in athletics and music, I believe he also received a #1 rating at state in both vocal and drum solo. But most importantly, he was a wonderful person. Our lives separated after high school, but it’s clear that his accomplishments were outstanding. A life truly well lived.
My deepest sympathy Pat. Erin and Casey and both of your families may you all know Dad and Papa are at peace. Bob was the kind of man you could always count on to help you or any project or help making the plans. Jack worked with Bob and they sure had a good time. I just loved his singing. He was a good guy.
Dear Erin, Pat, Casey and all family members, My thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate the wonderful person Bob was to so many.
Pat and family so sorry for your loss GREAT GUY from Ottumwa Iowa
With love, from all the Costigan from Conover
Dear Pat, Erin, Casey, and families, We want to offer our deepest sympathies. Bob was such a wonderful man! He always seemed to have a positive outlook and a warm smile on his face. Dean thoroughly enjoyed the years he worked with Bob at the lumber yard, and I always enjoyed seeing him there-and also at the library. May your fondest memories bring you a special comfort, and may you feel God’s loving arms around you. We are keeping you all in our many thoughts and prayers-Dean and Judy Knoll
Condolences to the Martin family. A wonderfully written biographical memorial. Bob and I shared our early childhood as well as being high school classmates and teammates. Fate seemed to further our connection. Since our names are close alphabetically, we were often seated adjacent to each other in classes and study hall, which led to many humorous incidents. And with both of our houses only a block from school (his east, mine north) we could both hear the school warning bell from our homes. That was our signal to head for school and we often met at the front door of the school as the last in, and seconds before the late bell. As one of 9 children, Bob’s household resources were very limited, but he never let that limit him in the successful pursuit of his many talents. In addition to his achievements in athletics and music, I believe he also received a #1 rating at state in both vocal and drum solo. But most importantly, he was a wonderful person. Our lives separated after high school, but it’s clear that his accomplishments continued to be outstanding. A life truly well lived. — Michael (Mick) Meyer
Pat, Erin, and Casey, you have my deepest sympathy. Bob was always fun to visit with and full of information! May he Rest In Peace. ZoAnn
Our sincere sympathy to Pat, Erin, Casey and the entire Martin family. I always enjoyed working with Bob as he was so easy to work with and always prepared! He will be missed.
We are so thankful for Bob and the legacy has left behind in his wonderful family. We are praying for you. All our Love, The Braun Family
We are thinking of you during this difficult time. We love you all!
In loving memory of Robert Martin
To the Martin Family. Sending much love your way, always in our thoughts and prayers!
Pat and family, My sympathy and prayers to all. Bob was a kind and gentle man and had a beautiful voice. Cherish the memories you had together and may he rest in peace.
Our deepest sympathy on your loss of Bob ! You are in our thoughts & prayers!
Dear Erin and the entire Martin family, Please accept our most sincere condolences. Reading your father’s obituary made us admire his life fully lived. May you find comfort and peace in Christ. Sincerely, Jayne and Mark Arvold
TO THE FAMILY OF BOB MARTIN PAT , CHILDREN , & GRANDCHILDREN EVERYONE OF YOU ALL HAVE ARE DEEPEST LOSE OF BOB !! TO YOU ALL IT IS AN VERY HARD TIME DEALING WITH THE LOSE OF YOUR HUSBAND , FATHER , & GRANDFATHER WHO MEANS SO VERY MUCH TO EVERYONE OF YOU ALL !! BOB WAS AN AWESOME FRIEND WONDERFUL PERSON ECT … EVERYONE OF YOU ALL HAVE SO AWESOME MEMORIES OF YOU ALL WITH YOUR HUSBAND , CHILDREN , & GRANDCHILDREN NO ONE CAN EVERY TAKE ALL THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES YOU HAVE !! IF THERE IS ANYTHING TOM OR I (ALICE) CAN HEIP YOU WITH JUST LET US KNOW !! WE LOVE YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH PLUS WE LOVED BOB !! MISS YOU ALL SO MUCH !! ARE PRAYERS , & THOUGHTS ARE WITH EVERYONE OF YOU ALL !! GOD WATCH OVER EVERYONE OF YOU ALL !! GOD BLESS EVERYONE OFYOU ALL !! STAY SAFE FROM THAT WICKED AWFUL EVIL COVID-19 VIRUS THAT IS SO DEADLY !! ALICE , & TOM RASING