Erna V. Martinson was born on May 22, 1930 in Marietta, Minnesota, to Ervin & Anna (Haas) Streich. She passed away at the Syracuse Good Samaritan Center on July 15, 2012 at the age of 82 years, 1 month, 23 days.

Erna married Russell Martinson on February 17, 1951 in Granite Falls, Minnesota and to this union they had 3 daughters Sharon, JoAnn and Deb.

Erna worked as a cook at the Syracuse school for 20+ years. After she retired she worked as a cook for the Syracuse senior center. She also belonged to the VFW #5547 and TOPS Club. Erna enjoyed playing cards and dancing. She was well known for her cooking. She loved all animals, especially cats. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren and family.

She is survived by her husband: Russell Martinson, daughters: Sharon (Bill) Davis, JoAnn (Steve) Gotschall, grandchildren Melissa (Travis) Henslee, Jess (Mary) Caples, Becky (Raul) Castro, Sarah Wendeln, Mathias (Sharla) Wendeln, Will (Rebecca) Davis, Amanda Davis, Alicia Gotschall, 9 great grandchildren, 3 foster great grandchildren, sisters: Adeline Sens, Carol (Don) Nelson, Dorothy Nokelby, brothers: Ernest (Linda) Streich, Lloyd (Luann) Streich, Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Viola Streich, daughter Deb Huske.

Funeral Service will be Friday, July 20, 2012 at 10:30 A.M. at the Lutheran Memorial Lutheran Church in Syracuse, Nebraska, with Pastor Paul Coen officiating.

Visitation will be Thursday July 19, 2012 from 9 A.M. until 9 P.M. with family greeting friends from 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.

Burial will be at the Park Hill Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the family's choice.

Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Home Syracuse, NE 402-269-2441