Martha Graves

Martha Graves, age 62, of Mabel, MN, formerly of Decorah, IA, died Saturday, May 23, 2015, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, IA due to complications while being treated for a brain tumor. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 6, 2015, at the Big Canoe Lutheran Church, rural Decorah. Friends may call after 10:00 a.m., at the church. Martha was born on October 20, 1952 in Decorah, Iowa to Stanley and Margaret Arneson (Hovden). The oldest of four girls, Martha and her twin sister, Mary, and two younger sisters Cynthia (Cindy) and Deborah (Deb). Following graduation from Decorah High School in 1970, she moved to Mason City, Iowa to study at North Iowa Area Community College. Upon moving back to Decorah Martha was employed at various businesses over the years including over twenty years at Rockwell Collins and most recently eight years at Deco Products. Martha recently purchased her dream home in Mabel, Minnesota where she and her significant other, James (Jim) Erickson, spent countless hours carrying out extensive upgrades. Not one to sit still for very long, Martha loved to spend sunny days outside doing yard work, playing fetch with their black lab Jasmine or supervising Jim while he worked on their beloved race car. There wasn't anything that brought Martha more excitement then knowing that the Saturday night races were just around the corner; she was a staple at the race track in Decorah for well over twenty years. Martha always put others first and was always there for anyone in need. She never missed a Sunday afternoon call to her children and grandchildren and travelled often to visit them in California and Colorado. She will be lovingly remembered for her kindness, thoughtfulness and caring nature. Martha is survived in death by her partner of 19 years, to the day, Jim Erickson as well as her son Jason (Cori) of Telluride, CO. and her daughter Mindy (Todd) of Redding, CA. She is also survived by four wonderful grandchildren Nyle, Makayla, Lily, and Alexander (Alex); her parents Stanley and Margaret Arneson, Decorah, IA. Three sisters: Mary Tekippe, Decorah, IA, Cindy (Tom) Rima, Decorah, IA and Deb (Jay) Shiltz, Minneapolis, MN. as well as all of her nieces and nephews. We would like to thank all of our family and friends who have helped us through this difficult time. We would also like to thank Hans Bakken, the staff at Gundersen Clinic in Decorah and La Crosse, Wisconsin as well as the staff at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics that did everything in their power to help our mom. Rest in peace, Martha (mom) we love you more than words can express. Jason & Mindy Graves and Jim Erickson