Martin John Edwards

Martin John Edwards was born on December 20, 1981 in Grand Rapids, MN, the son of Thomas and LeeAnn (Lurth) Edwards. Marty graduated from Grand Rapids in the Class of 2000. He worked summers mowing baseball fields and playing softball in Grand Rapids. He furthered his education at the University of Minnesota with a bachelor degree in American Studies. After college he moved back home to Alexandria where he masterminded, designed, and operated StoneWings Lodge and 3-D Archery Park on Pike Lake. Marty was very proud of this accomplishment. He also began working for Miles Tiling Co, as a salesman and designer. Marty was the light of everyone?s life. He could always put a smile on your face with his sense of humor or prankster antics. He loved his parents, brother, sisters, and brother in-laws deeply and cherished the time he spent with his five nieces and nephews. He liked to travel with his family for vacations and also travel to see his family around the country. Marty was also a loyal and appreciative friend. He was coined the event coordinator for his group of friends, planning different types of parties from an ugly sweater birthday party to ice fishing and hunting trips as well as beanbag game matches. Marty loved hunting and the outdoors. He enjoyed golfing and was an avid follower of sports including the Twins, Vikings, Anaheim Ducks, and Gopher sports. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Martin John Edwards died on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at his home at the age of 27 years old. He is survived by his parents Thomas and LeeAnn Edwards of Alexandria; sisters Holly and Mike Nelson of Richmond, MN and their children Connor, Cole, Carly, and Chloe; Hillary and Sean Skahan of Anaheim, CA and their son Will; brother Cory Edwards of Bend OR; grandmother Mary Ann Lurth of St. Peter, MN; loving pet German Wirehair, Avery; aunts Pam and Darryl Folkens of St. Paul, MN; Mary and Joe Avila of Fresno, CA; Linda and Joel Olson of Englewood CO; uncles Michael and Ranae Edwards of Dalton, MN; Brian and Maurelia Edwards of New York, NY; and Bruce and Michele Lurth of St, Peter, MN; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Russell and Elizabeth Edwards; Elmer Lurth; uncle Larry Lurth. A Memorial Mass was held on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at St. Mary?s Catholic Church in Alexandria with the Reverend Steve Binsfeld officiating.