Joan Martin
September 6, 1930 ~ January 10, 2021
Joan 'GJ' Catherine Martin, 90, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 10, 2021, at Grand Living in Coralville.'Private Family Mass: 10 a.m. Thursday, January 14, 2021, at All Saints Church, Cedar Rapids.''Private visitation: Wednesday afternoon. Please find the livestream link for the Mass and share your support and memories on her tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries. Private Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Arrangements by Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.
Joan was born September 6, 1930, to Joseph and Lucy (Jan) Enzler.'She grew up in Cedar Rapids, graduating from Franklin High School in 1948 and the University of Michigan in 1952. She then moved to Chicago where she met William 'Bill' Martin. They were united in marriage on June 23, 1956. Joan and Bill welcomed six children in the next seven years.' In 1967, the family moved back to Cedar Rapids, where Roy and Daniel were born. Joan was very active in her children's and grandchildren's lives, supporting them with their education and attending all of their activities.'
In addition to raising her children, she loved to travel, golf, watch movies, and played in as many as five bridge groups at one time. She often spent February in Florida with her friends, Joanne, Pat, and Jean and went to Alaska with her friend, Marilyn. Joan was an active member of All Saints Catholic Church where she was a member of St. Monica's Circle, served as a Eucharistic Minister, and sang in the church choir until her mid-80s.
Survivors include her children, Anne (Mike) Murray of Iowa City, Tim Martin of Dubuque, Dennis Martin of Cedar Rapids, Paul (Patti) Martin of Sonoma, California, Joe (Carolyn) Martin of Bettendorf, Lucy (Joel) Smith of Shorewood, Minnesota, Roy Martin of Sugar Grove, Illinois, and Dan (Alicia) Martin of Denver, Colorado; twenty-one grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Carolyn Enzler; and many extended family members and wonderful friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; a granddaughter; and brother, Joe Enzler.'
Memorials may be directed to All Saints Catholic Church or the Xavier Foundation.
Special thanks to the entire staff at Grand Living for the love and care given to Joan for the last 2 �� years as well as Iowa City Hospice for the last year.
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My sincere condolences to the Martin families with the passing of their beloved GJ. I have fond memories of being with her, especially making her pies and wearing most of the flour. She raised wonderful children who went on to have bright and intelligent children themselves. I know she will be greatly missed. Sincerely Judy Atkins
Always someone I looked up to for her values and her faith. Thanks for setting such a fine example for others to pursue. May the family celebrate a life of commitment and accomplishment. And may all the Angels, Saints, Holy men and Holy women welcome her into God’s eternal Grace.
Sweet smile always a laugh or a giggle ! How she loved her family ! Memories of even her parents, Bill and all the children! Loved most of all how natural she always was!!! So comfortable in her own skin! Such a great lady!missed her Christmas card this year!
To my dear fellow Alto, thanks for the laughs, and sharing your heart with music. I will always remember you fondly. Singing harmony with the angels!
Joan and I met when our daughters Annie and Laura became friends. Joan asked Bud and I to work the Elections at Washington High School which we did for many years. We went up tp Mom’s weekend at Iowa State with the Tri Delts. Lots of visiting in the car. I want to share my sympathy with the family for the loss of a great and fun lady. Jeanne Hepker
We are having this tree planted in memory of Joan. We had heard so many wonder things about Joan through our dear friend Anne. Our deepest sympathy
So sorry for your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. She was an incredibly strong lady and mother. Kevin and Terri Dorrington
Grandma Joanie was an angel on earth. My family and I always enjoyed going to Bishops buffet every week when we were younger. She was always calm and along for the ride. Even with all the children and grandchildren she never forgot a birthday. We will miss her very much & we’re very fortunate to have her in our lives.
Jenny – when we were kids, GJs parents would take us to Bishops buffet on special occasions. Still remember the balloons with cardboard feet.
I have known Joanie my whole life. Her and my Mom were dear friends and bridge partners til the end. My whole family loved her and is sending nothing but love to her whole family. The world is not the same with these Ladies not in it. ❤️🙏Candy
We are so sorry for your loss. We loved Joan and are so glad to have known her. We are sending healing vibes for your family. Candy and my family
What a wonderful lady and friend. We were in many groups together and have many fond memories. I still remember her voice sharing her kindness to all and always with a smile. The Lord has called her home. May Joanie Rest In Peace. Janet Rater
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With deepest sympathy, The Winters
I remember meeting her with the rest of your family in Denver what a beautiful mother figure of wonderful family you have our prayers and sympathy
Our sincere condolences to the Martin Family on the passing of your Mother and Grandmother. Joanie was a great lady and always made her kids friends welcome in your home. I always appreciated her warm smile and charming laugh. Joanie had all the great Mom qualities needed in raising a large family. A seemingly perfect balance of love, care, concern, discipline and bit of “oh whatever!” Joanie and Bill together again has to make all the Martins smile! Mike Fagan Family Glen Ellyn, IL
To all of the Martin Clan: The entire O’Brien family would like to extend their heartfelt condolences for the loss of your matriarch. We all share in your loss and hope all of you are well. Elizabeth Gorman R80, Pat R75, John R76 and J.C. O’Brien R77 (Margaret R78 deceased)
I remember being in Ireland with her and my grandparents and we just had so many laughs. Her smile and demeanor was infectious. She truly left a legacy behind like no other. You will be missed Aunt Joan
May this tree represent the long life and beauty of your legacy.
Joanie is a beautiful legacy in Mike and Marilyn Frank Family! We miss her but have great faith her smiles are being seen in heaven everywhere!
Joe and family. May God be with you during this time. Your mom was always a supporter of you and our team. God bless. Chris Jennings
Lucy and family – I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. I remember her as a kind hearted woman with a warm smile.
Saying goodbye to my wonderful mother in the best way I know how. Please enjoy the music video created for her 80 and 85th birthday. I will post an updated addendum in the next few days. Love to All! https://youtu.be/aAWnXWf5v8A
Joe, Lucy and Family We are sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. We remember the fun times with your Mom and Dad while watching Regis baseball.
To all the Martin cousins. Our hearts are saddened by your loss. Aunt Joan was one of the most kindest,loving woman she had the patience of a Saint .So many fun times had together especially when the big blue van would pull up at Jim & Marions in Chicago. Even though we had some miles between us we so loved all our road trips to Iowa . We all know she is in Heaven with Bill & the crew . She is shining her light and love on you all. ✝️💟 John & Maryann
Dennis and family, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. I remember her as such a fun and sweet lady, always seemed to be smiling. I know my Mom cherished her friendship with Joanie. With deepest sympathy, Carol and Todd Langager
Joan was a lovely woman who always exuded warmth. We know that Joan’s family will miss her greatly but rejoice in her entry into God’s presence. The Strub Family- Jane, Jeff and Donetta
Joan was a wonderful cousin to me and I always enjoyed seeing her. She made me smile whenever I was with her. When I remember her it always gives me a warm feeling and I can see her parents Joe and Lucy shining through. My twelve siblings and I were lucky to have such a cousin. Jerry Enzler
With much love from the Burmeisters! Karen, Aaron, Sammy and Will.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Hello to the wonderful Martin family. Joanne was able to finally view the services. She enjoyed the service and she misses Joan very much. Joanne says Bill used to say their kids got their smarts from Joan. Joanne recalls the charade games, the pot luck group and lots and lots of fun! Best wishes. Joanne and Dave Thinnes