Robert Martin

Robert James Martin, 90, of Salem, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026.

Born on July 12, 1935, to Edward and Loretta (Bierschbach) Martin, Bob grew up on the family farm near Bristol. Baptized and confirmed at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, he attended local schools in the Andover area before joining his father and brother in the family farming operation. He served in the South Dakota National Guard, Webster unit, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. On June 26, 1965, he married Karen Jensen at St. Anthony’s Church in Bristol. The couple purchased their own farm west of Bristol in 1966, where they raised hogs, cattle, and grain. Bob was a devoted steward of the land who deeply loved both the soil and the animals he cared for.

A man of honesty and integrity, Bob placed his faith and family above all else. He served on several local boards, including the St. Anthony’s Church board, Sun Dial Manor, the Bristol School Board, and the Bristol Township Board. He especially cherished time spent with Karen, their daughters, sons-in-law, and six grandchildren, and he and Karen enjoyed many travels and adventures together.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Loretta Martin, brothers Donald and Lloyd, and son-in-law Matthew Ellerbrock. Bob is survived by his beloved wife of more than sixty years, Karen; daughters Kathy (Kurt) Stiefvater of Salem and MaryBeth Ellerbrock of Burlington, Wisconsin; grandchildren Lauren (James) Nelson, Megan and Karlie Stiefvater, Nathan (Danielle) Ellerbrock, Jacob (Nicole) Ellerbrock, and Joe Ellerbrock; and great-granddaughter Abilene Ellerbrock.