Martin Henry Ashfeld, Sr

Martin H. Ashfeld, Sr., 97 of Watkins, passed away on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Watkins. Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 8 pm and Saturday after 9 am at the Ertl Funeral Home in Watkins. Interment will in the St. Anthony Cemetery. Fr. John Brunner and Fr. Richard Gross will officiate. Senior Citizens will pray the rosary at 4 pm on Friday at the funeral home followed by parish prayers at 6 pm. Casket bearers will be Kevin Merten, Brandon Ashfeld, Nathan Ashfeld, Troy Ashfeld, John Blaisdell, Natasha Ashfeld, Shannon Ruegemer and Nikki Paulk. Martin was born on August 2, 1915 at Watkins to Leonard and Katherine (Ophoven) Ashfeld. He married Viola Rausch on October 17, 1944 at St. Nicholas. They farmed at Watkins until retirement in 1984. Viola passed away on February 9, 1987 and Martin continued to reside on the farm until 2006. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. He enjoyed dancing, gardening, fishing, playing cards and playing the accordion. Survivors include his children, Georgiann (Eugene) Merten of Pearl Lake, Elaine Ruegemer of St. Cloud, Vernon (Rosie) Ashfeld of Rockville, Darrel (Wendy) Ashfeld of St. Cloud, David (Loraine) Ashfeld of Cold Spring, Susie (Frank) Horvat of Medina, OH, Martin Jr.""Butch"" (Diane) Ashfeld of Sauk Rapids; son-in-law, James Blaisdell of Pierz; 18 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Viola; daughter, Arlene Blaisdell; son-in-law, Earl Ruegemer; grandchildren, Shawn Ruegemer, Kim Blaisdell, Timothy and Thomas Ashfeld. The family would like to thank everyone at St. Anthony Manor for the excellent care given to Martin over the past years. Funeral Home: Ertl Funeral Home 221 Church Street Watkins, MN US 55389Previous Events Visitation Friday, August 10, 2012 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Ertl Funeral Home 221 Church Street Watkins, , MN 55389 Visitation Saturday, August 11, 2012 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Ertl Funeral Home 221 Church Street Watkins, , MN 55389 Service Saturday, August 11, 2012 10:00 AM St. Anthony Catholic Church 171 Central Ave Watkins, MN 55389 cemetery Saturday, August 11, 2012 10:45 AM St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery 170 Meeker Ave S Watkins, MN 55389