Gerald Martinsen, 74

Gerald Vita Martinsen, age 74, of Somerset, Wis., died early Wednesday morning at the Golden Living Center in Stillwater, Minn.

He was born on June 25, 1938, in Georgetown Township, Wis., to Victor and Marcella (Vita) Martinsen. He served in the Marine Corp from 1960 to 1964. Gerald was a member of the Somerset Fire Department for 19 years, belonged to the Knights of Columbus, and was an active member at St. Anne's Catholic Church, helping with funeral lunches. The Martinsen family owned and operated the Somerset Telephone Company for 50 years. His hobbies included traveling, photography, woodworking and reading.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; brother Duane Martinsen; and nephew John Hauglum.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joann (Langanki), whom he married on June 13, 1970, and his children, Ruth (Josh) Grubbs, Duane Martinsen; siblings Shirley Marie Martinsen and Victor (Elaine) Martinsen; nieces and nephews Peter Hauglum, Anne Christine Wornstaff, Paul (Michelle) Hauglum, Ann Marie Martinsen, Nancy (Steve) Holt, Karen Martinsen, Sarah Martinsen; also great-nieces and -nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Saturday, June 30, at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Somerset. Visitation 2 hours prior to the service at the church. Interment St. Anne's Cemetery. Memorials preferred to St. Anne's Catholic Church in lieu of flowers.

Arrangements by Cullen Crea Funeral Home, www.cullencreafuneralhome.com.

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