Margaret Martin

Margaret Laverna (Bonnie) Martin, age 99, of Carroll, passed away on July 3, 2022 at the Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 12 at Holy Spirit Church – St. John Paul II Parish in Carroll. The Celebrant will be Fr. Kevin Richter. Music will be by Kathy Halbur and Sherry Loughran. Gift Bearers will be Jessie Sigler, Maddy Sigler, and Rylyn Sigler. Eucharistic Minister will be Cathy Lyons. Casket Bearers will be Nathan Slater, Evan Slater, Chris Lyons, Colin Lyons, Catherine Higgins, Eric Wittrock, Jessie Sigler, and Brian Ortmeier. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Jefferson. 

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7p.m. on Monday July 11 at the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll. A Rosary will be prayed at 7p.m.   The casket will be moved to Holy Spirit Church on Tuesday morning where visitation will resume from 9:30 until 10:15 a.m.

Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll, and online condolences may be left for Margaret’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com.  

Bonnie was born on March 5, 1923 in Jefferson to Frank and Margaret (Gouger) Tasler. She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1940. In high school, she twirled flaming batons at football games, and played clarinet in the band. After high school, Bonnie went on to earn her registered nursing degree from St. Anthony School of Nursing in Carroll.

Bonnie married Johnny Lyons of Bayard. The couple had five children: Linda Diane, Diane, Craig, Doug, and Linda. Bonnie and Johnny loved dancing and were known in the area to “cut a mean rug.”

Bonnie worked many years in the pediatrics department at St. Anthony’s, where she was loved for her caring bedside manner.  She was proud to be actress Donna Reed’s private nurse. She later worked at the Carroll Medical Center as an allergy nurse for Dr. Anneberg, and later Dr. James Jensen.

On November 21, 1981, Bonnie married Dr. Josef R. Martin. The couple made their home in Carroll, wintering in Fort Myers, Florida. They enjoyed playing cards, traveling and spending time at Lake Okoboji. Bonnie was a member of Holy Spirit Parish and the St. Anthony Nursing Alumni Association. She was a past officer of the CD of A St. Joseph’s Parish in Jefferson, and Ft. Myers Country Club Bridge Member. She played in various bridge groups and enjoyed reading, music, going to the casino and shoes (any color)! She especially loved spending time with family, and was so proud and supportive of her kids, seven grandkids and 17 great-grandkids who affectionally called her “GG Bonnie.”

Bonnie was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Linda Diane, her parents; husbands Johnny Lyons and Dr. Josef R. Martin; and siblings: Julia, Rosie Rechtenbach, Francis (Bud) Tasler, Walt (Shorty) Tasler and John “Jack” Tasler.

Surviving Bonnie are her children: Diane Slater of Coon Rapids, Craig (Cathy) Lyons of Omaha, NE, Doug (Brian Ortmeier) of Tucson, AZ, and Linda (Randy) Wittrock of Jefferson; seven grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy Davis and family. Also surviving are Joe’s daughters: Jill Glover and family, and Robyn Lane and family; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other extended relatives.  

Since Bonnie’s faith was such an integral part of her life, memorials can be sent to St. John Paul II Parish or Kuemper Catholic High School.  

Bonnie was a loving and caring person, loved by all and will be missed by many. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, warmth, love and compassion to all those who loved her.