Elaine Diekman Martin

Elaine Diekman Martin was born on December 3, 1935 in Urness Township the daughter of Andrew & Emma (Thorson) Urness. She attended country school and Kensington High School before attending Alexandria High School graduating in 1953. During High School Elaine worked at the theatre where her love of watching movies started and continued her whole life. 

After graduation she started working at JC Penny in their bookkeeping department. On June 4, 1955, Elaine married Gordy Diekman. After their marriage the couple moved to Elgin, Illinois where Gordy attended Watchmaker School. Upon completion the couple returned to Minnesota and made Alexandria their home where they raised their three children. Gordy died in 1981. While raising her children Elaine worked at Alexandria State Bank which became Bremer bank for many years as a Teller. 

On February 26, 1984, Elaine was united in marriage to Robert Martin. The couple lived in Brandon on Robert’s family farm before moving to Alexandria in 2005.

All her life Elaine was a woman of great faith.  She was very involved in her church.  From a young age she and her sisters sang during services and as an adult she was involved in the different women's groups at Zion and Grace Church.   She also taught Sunday School for several years.

Elaine will be remembered as an eternal optimist who’s laugh was infectious. She was also a very kind and generous person. Elaine enjoyed playing cards, going to the casino, eating out with family and friends. 

Elaine died on Thursday, February 13, 2025. She is survived by her three children: Kari (Arlan) Anderson, Kyle (Shelley) Diekman, Kurt (Brenda) Diekman; 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, sisters: Arlou Schwendemann, Joann (Greg) Kildow and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by Robert’s daughters: Charlene Waddingham and Kristi (Mike) Huck and several step grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her two husbands: Gordy & Robert; parents, brothers: Virgil & Harlan and sister, Donna; Robert’s sons: Jim & Charles.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 17, 2025, 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home.  Visitation will continue on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 10:00 - 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church with a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM at the church.  Burial will be at Kinkead Cemetery.  Memorials are preferred to Zion Lutheran Church or Douglas County Hospice.