Lee Carl Martinson, a 40-year resident of Delta, Colorado, passed away on November 19, 2020 at the age of 82, after contracting COVID-19.
A public memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 4, 2020 at All Saints Lutheran Church with Rev. Paul Rosin officiating.
Lee is survived by his wife, Carol Martinson, his four daughters, Nancy Grebenc (Jon-Michael) and their children Shelby and Connor of Broomfield, CO; Wendy Tomaschow and her children Christopher and Chandler, of Fort Collins; Amy Martinson of Fort Collins; and Heidi Martinson Reasoner (Matthew) and their children Adelaide and Zaida of Louviers, Colo. Lee is also survived by his two step sons and their families, Brian (Tabi) Beck and sons Zac Beck and Daven (Alexa) Beck, and their daughter, Jennifer; and Justin (Tiffany) Beck and their children Rayleigh and Cash. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, one infant great granddaughter, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Lee was born on October 28, 1938 in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Jenny (Hjelle) and Carl Martinson. Lee, an only child, was raised in Warren, Minnesota in his mother’s childhood home. After graduating high school in 1956, Lee worked for a year to save money to pay for college. Lee attended the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1963, with a bachelor of science degree in pharmacy. Lee worked as a registered pharmacist from his college graduation until his full retirement in 2019. He worked in Minnesota, Iowa, and Colorado.
Lee married Carmen Herrick in Clarkfield, MN on April 4, 1964. They lived in Minnesota, Iowa, and Colorado. Together they had 4 daughters. They divorced in 1986. Lee married Carol (Coak Beck) Martinson on Nov. 27, 1999 in Delta.
In 1980, Lee fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing Comet Drug in Delta where he worked as an independent pharmacist. Comet Drug was well known for its old-fashioned soda fountain. Lee sold Comet Drug in 2002 and continued working as a pharmacist for Cedaredge Pharmacy until late last year. An avid bowhunter and lifelong archery competitor, he was drawn to Colorado by the mountains, hunting, fishing, and outdoorsmanship. Lee also enjoyed driving on 4-wheel drive roads, exploring old mining towns, hiking, camping, cross country skiing, playing volleyball, and the game of cribbage. He was also a huge sports fan of the Minnesota Vikings NFL team, and the Univ. of Minnesota Gophers. After retiring from Comet Drug, Lee and his wife enjoyed many trips together including enjoying time with children and grandchildren at their home in Austin, or at the various places the children lived.
Lee’s witty sense of humor and “bad dad” jokes will be missed by all that knew him. A memorial service/celebration of life will be held at All Saints Lutheran Church in Austin, officiated by Rev. Paul Rosin. The family has chosen cremation with interment of ashes to be in Mesa View Cemetery, Delta. For those who wish to view the service, it will be on zoom. Please go to
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9154619897?pwd=VGl5Sm91OG1kSVc0R3p3OFNkcnFudz09
If there are stories that you would like to have shared at the service you may send them to
heidi.reasoner@gmail.com
Memorial contributions may be made to, All Saints Lutheran Church, 20101 Deer Creek Rd., Austin, CO 81410.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylorfuneralservice.com
To attend by zoom please go to:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9154619897?pwd=VGl5Sm91OG1kSVc0R3p3OFNkcnFudz09