Amy Eleanor Martinson

Amy Eleanor Martinson passed away on Sunday, May 7, 2017 at the exact age of 101 years, one week and one day.

Amy was born April 29, 1916 in Landa, N.D. to Peter and Margarethe Cook. Following graduation from Landa High School as a 17-year-old, she began teaching in a one-room schoolhouse. Teaching would become a life-long career.

Amy married Ingvald John Martinson on July 27, 1940. They had five children, John, Gary, Cheryl, Bruce and Kent.

From the birth of her first child in 1943 to the mid-60s she devoted herself to caring for her home and raising her children. When she returned to teaching Amy also enrolled at Minot (North Dakota) State Teachers College to complete her degree in education; something she didn’t need for her one-room schoolhouse in 1933.

Her focus and love was second grade students. Amy worked hard to create a classroom environment that was interesting and exciting. Amy and Ingvald moved to Wahpeton, N.D. in 1972 where she continued teaching; this time the children of migrant farm workers.

In 1978 Amy and Ingvald moved to Fargo, N.D. where Amy worked with her daughter in interior design for GM Homes. In 1982 they moved to Scottsdale where Amy continued to work with her daughter to decorate model homes. In 1992 they moved to Fountain Hills where they lived for the remainder of their lives.

Amy was preceded in death by her husband, Ingvald and her five siblings, Sadie, Clarence, Lesley, Mamie and Vernon. She is survived by her five children, John (Janice), Gary, Cheryl (Tom Kautz), Bruce (Lesley) and Kent (Mary); 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Amy will be remembered by all her family and friends as a bright, fun-loving, positive, caring person. She coined a number of one-liners that will last forever. Amy will be deeply missed. A family committal service will be held to celebrate her life.