Ida Viola Martinson, age 97, of Amery, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Christian Community Home in Osceola, Wisconsin.

Born on December 6, 1928, in the Town of Alden to Hans and Carrie Bottolfson, Ida graduated from Amery High School in 1946. On October 4, 1947, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Donald “Detroit” Martinson. Together they raised five children.

A woman of deep faith, Ida was baptized at West Immanuel Lutheran Church in Amery, confirmed at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, and was a longtime member of Deronda Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years.

Ida’s life was filled with hard work and service. Over the years she worked as a waitress, dental assistant, and clerk at Danielson Drug. She and Don owned the Wanderoos store, where she also served as postmaster, delivering mail to the train that ran through town. They later owned the Wanderoos Lumberyard, and Ida shared her love of refinishing furniture through Wood n’ Stuff with her daughter. She retired after many years at UBC Lumber in New Richmond.

Beyond her work, Ida loved traveling and spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed playing cards, shaking dice, and throwing horseshoes. Bowling was a lifelong passion, and she was a member of several teams throughout the years. She also loved dancing with her favorite partner, Don; “Together again, dancing in heaven.” Ida will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her children: Ronald, Lee (Mary), Susan (Lee) Olson, Michael (Janet), and Chris (Sally); grandchildren: Tammie Reece, Matthew (Paige) Martinson, Jason (Ashley) Martinson, Jeni Sigsworth (Chad), Sara (Brent) McCurdy, Joshua (Megan) Martinson, Amanda (Chad) Anderson, Brian (Tara) Martinson, Dena Jurgensen (Jason), Kevin (Meghan) Martinson, Alyssa (Jordy) Leisz, and Kristy (Wes) Dzieweczynski; great-grandchildren: Preston, Pearce, Austin, Brayden, McKenzie, Ellie, Landry, Addie, Emily, Brianna, Hannah, Samantha, Max, Zayne, Lance, Nolan, Iselin, Edith, Vivian, Asher, Hallie, Banks, Marty, and Miller; sisters-in-law Marlene Libby, Marcella (Wendell) Viebrock, Donna (Harry) Andersen, Sheila Martinson, Carol Martinson, Doris Martinson, Kay Bottolfson; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 74 years Donald “Detroit” Martinson; her parents Hans and Carrie Bottolfson; sisters Jane, Anna, and Gen; brothers Carney, Harry, Paul, and Cliff; numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law; and her great grandson Matthew Martinson.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Christian Community Home of Osceola and Adoray Home Health & Hospice for their compassionate care during Ida’s final years and moments.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, December 19, 2025 at Deronda Lutheran Church in Amery, WI. Visitation will be held from 12:00pm until the time of service at the church. Interment will take place in Deronda Cemetery at a later date.

“Her legacy of faith and love lives on in her family.”

Last Update: Dec 15, 2025 9:34 am CST