Joel Martin

 Joel David Martin, age 54, passed away June 12, 2024. A visitation will be held on Monday, June 17, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church in Albert Lea with visitation one hour prior.

Joel was born on June 27, 1969, in Albert Lea, Minnesota to James and Diane (Coon) Martin. He grew up on the family farm with his older brother Tim. Joel attended school in Albert Lea and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1988. Following high school, he attended the University of Minnesota – Waseca, where earned a degree in production agriculture. After his schooling, he returned to the family farm to work with his father. In addition to farming, Joel was a devoted worker at Sorenson’s Appliance and TV for 29 years. Joel was proud of his work, but he was most proud of his job as a father raising his daughter Madison and son Josh. On February 23, 2013, Joel was united in marriage to the love of his life Susan Sullivan.

The couple continued to live on the family farm, focusing on faith, family, and farming. Joel was a member of the United Methodist Church in Albert Lea. He enjoyed camping, ice fishing, day trips with his family, spending quality time with his friends, and his dogs Lucy and Violet. Joel’s greatest love was his family, and he cherished being a husband and father. 

Joel is preceded in death by his father James Martin, mother Diane (Coon) Martin, and brother Tim Martin. Joel is survived by his wife Susan (Sullivan) Martin, daughter Madison Martin, son Josh Martin, stepsons Justin Beatty, Nick Beatty, and Joshua Beatty (Emma Beatty), and his soon-to-be grandchild baby Beatty.

Joel was the best husband, father, stepfather, friend, and colleague. His absence will be felt immensely by everyone his life touched.