Martin H. Egstad

Stoughton- Martin H. Egstad, age 98, passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at Stoughton Hospital.  He was born on September 12, 1911, in Star Valley, Crawford County, the second child of Nordahl and Rena (Hanson) Egstad.  Martin was baptized November 23, 1911 and confirmed May 30, 1926 at the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church by Rev. J.O. Holum.  His family spoke Norwegian and he learned English at Clockmaker grade school.  Martin attended Westby High School.  On March 27, 1937 he was united in marriage to Catherine M. Christianson at the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church parsonage by Rev. J.O. Holum.  Martin farmed with the help of his wife in Jersey Valley near Westby for nine years and near Melvina for 48 years.  In early years, Martin won trophies in ski jumping, fished and hunted small game and was on the school board of the Melvina State Graded School.  After retirement he and Catherine traveled to many places including visiting relatives in Norway.  After they left the farm in 1995, they moved to Evansville, and in 1999 they moved to Vennevoll in Stoughton.  Martin was the last member of his family.  Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Catherine; three daughters, Anna Marie (John) Edwards of Evansville, Marlene Strait of Whitewater and Joyce Egstad of McFarland; four grandchildren, Scott (Kelly) Strait of Whitewater, Rhonda (Joe) Scarpelli of Evansville, Nathan Edwards of Evansville and Steven Edwards of Oregon; granddaughter-in-law, Julie Strait of Elkhorn; nine great grandchildren, Rachel (Heath) Fillebrown of Whitewater, Carissa (Justin) Carpenter, Carmen (Herschel) Aumsbaugh and Lucas Babler, all of Columbia City, IN, Megan and Kyle Strait of Elkhorn and Carl, Yvanna and Catherine Strait of Whitewater; seven great great grandchildren, Faith and Carson Carpenter, Brooklyn Lusso, Bryan and Bryce Aumsbaugh, and Mercedes and Lillye Fillebrown; sister-in-law, Marvel Egstad of Waunakee; six nephews and nieces, S. Henry (Peggy) Egstad of Waunakee, LeRoy (Sandra) Egstad of Marshfield, Roger (Ann) Stefferud of Westby, Janice Stefferud of Madison, Lorena (Raymond) Dohl of Bartlesville, OK and Yvonne (Robert) Rowe of Verona; and many cousins in Norway.  Martin was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Kermit Strait in 1988; grandson, Michael Strait in 2004; brother, Norman; sisters, Anna Paulsrud and Ruth (Norman) Stefferud; and niece, Ilene (Richard) Ekern.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 6, 2009 at Skaalen Home Chapel, 400 N. Morris Street, Stoughton, with Rev. James Koza officiating.  Burial will follow in Lutheran South Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service Friday.  Memorials, if desired, may be made to Skaalen Home.