Florence A. Martine

Florence Arlene Martine, 89, passed away peacefully, Friday, January 5, 2024, in her home in Shelly, MN, with her family by her side.

Florence Arlene (Olsen) Martine was born April 14, 1934, in Shevlin, MN, to parents, Ludwig and Lillie Olsen.  As a child, Florence was baptized to the Christian faith January 12, 1938.  She attended school in Shevlin after which she moved and began working in Caledonia, ND at the Poor Farm.

She later moved back to the Shevlin area and continued to work several kinds of jobs including painting, bartending, greenhouse work, waitressing, and operating restaurants.  These were just a few of her skills and talents.   Florence will be remembered for the hardworking woman that she was.

On February 20, 1953, Florence married Kenneth “Kenny” Martine in Bagley, MN. From this union seven children were born – two daughters and five sons.  Together they moved to International Falls, MN in 1957 and later back to Bagley in 1977.  Florence continued to live there after the passing of Kenny, until her later years, when she moved to Shelly.

Florence was a member of the Irvin Blix American Legion Post of Bagley as well as the Shelly Senior Citizens.  One thing she loved most was visiting with friends and family.  Florence cherished company greatly.  Often, she would have sweet treats and coffee at the ready for guests stopping in. She also enjoyed baking, tending to flowers and crocheting.

Florence is survived by two sons, Jack (Gwen) Martine of Bagley, and Jim (Kay) Martine of Shelly; two daughters-in-law, Darlene Martine of Bagley and Cindy Martine-Barstad of Bemidji, MN; and sisters-in-law, Sharon and Lois both of Bagley.  She is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Kenny; two daughters and three sons: Kenneth

“Tooter”, Tom and Jason; as well as one grandchild and four great-grandchildren.

A Graveside Service for Florence will be held on April 13, 2024 at 11 AM at the Bagley Old Cemetery, 7^th St NE, Bagley, MN.