Martin L. Carter of Park Rapids, died Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010 at St. Joseph's Area Health Services at the age of 76.
Martin was born Aug. 10, 1934 in Chicago, Ill. to Lon and Margaret (Madsen) Carter. At a young age, he moved to Cohasset and became a foster son of Walter and Hazel Brink.
He graduated from Grand Rapids High School, in 1952, and attended Itasca Junior College for a short time before entering the U.S. Army.
After his honorable discharge, he attended Bemidji State University, graduating in 1958. In September of 1958, he began his teaching career at Park Rapids High School, a career that spanned 35 years of English, speech and drama.
He returned to Bemidji State and obtained his Master's Degree in English and speech. In 1976 he obtained a sabbatical and returned to Moorhead State University where he pursued additional education in the speech and drama field.
On July 15, 1962, he was united in marriage to Arvayda Domholt at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids. They had one son, Lon. They also had a foster son, Dana LeBlanc.
Martin created a winning tradition at Park Rapids High School and carved his name into the state record books in competitive speech and drama. Under his direction, Park Rapids' speech teams captured 28 district championships and 18 regional championships. Park Rapids was ranked 4th in the state for most medals won by a school in class "A" competitive speech and most medals won by a school in a single year with five in 1986.
Martin guided the Park Rapids One Act Play cast to 18 State One Act Play Festivals in 29 years. Six times his casts earned star ratings at the state festival.
In addition to 35 years of teaching speech and theater, Martin served as the chair of District 29 and Region 8 speech and theater activities. He was instrumental in the formation of the Northern Minnesota Speech Coaches Association and served as president of that organization for two years. Martin was twice appointed to the State Drama Advisory Board and served as a regional representative to the Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota. In 1972, Martin was named Park Rapids Educator of the Year, and in 1985 the Grand Rapids Chapter of the National Forensic League named him Coach of the Year in Speech.
Martin also was honored by the Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota, as an outstanding individual in communication and theater for his many years of service to young people in the State of Minnesota. Martin was inducted into the Minnesota State High School League Fine Arts Hall of Fame in 1993.
Additional awards include: Outstanding Young Educator in 1970, the H.N. Bishop Community Award in 1998 and the Headwaters Area Art Council Award for his volunteer services in promoting the arts in the Park Rapids Area.
Martin also taught with the Bemidji State University Upward Bound Program each summer since it's inception in 1966.
After retiring, Martin volunteered with the Kinship Program, the local food shelf, and at the school with the speech program. Martin enjoyed bowling, gardening and fishing. He was a member of the American Legion Post 212 in Park Rapids, and the Headwaters Humane Society. He was a member of the Park Rapids Eagles Club where he had served as president. Martin taught speech at the Wadena Vocational Institute and he was involved with Park Rapids Summer Theatre Program for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Arvayda Carter of Park Rapids; a foster son, Dana LeBlanc; five grandchildren, Mason, Johnathon, Samantha, Justin and Robin; great-granddaughter, Amelia; foster mother, Hazel Brink of Grand Rapids; mother-in-law, Edna Domholt of Park Rapids; two foster sisters, Loya (Bob) Olsen and Yulah (Lee) Sisler, and many foster nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Lon; foster father, Walter Brink; and father-in-law, Oscar Domholt.
Visitation: was held from 5 until 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 27, at Cease Family Funeral Home Chapel in Park Rapids.
Funeral service: was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids. Pastor Stephen Norby officiated. Ben Pilkey was the eulogist. Dave Anderson sang "Turn, Turn, Turn." Roz Pederson was the organist. Congregational hymns were "Morning Has Broken," "Borning Cry," and "How Great Thou Art."
Honorary casket bearers: All past and present Park Rapids High School faculty and students.
Active casket bearers: Bob Schissel, Tony Szymczak, Paul Pederson, Tom Baker, Craig Stanwick, Ralph Sanquist and Gregg Bervig.
Interment: will be held in the spring of 2011 at Bethel Lutheran Cemetery, Dorset.
Martin was born Aug. 10, 1934 in Chicago, Ill. to Lon and Margaret (Madsen) Carter. At a young age, he moved to Cohasset and became a foster son of Walter and Hazel Brink.
He graduated from Grand Rapids High School, in 1952, and attended Itasca Junior College for a short time before entering the U.S. Army.
After his honorable discharge, he attended Bemidji State University, graduating in 1958. In September of 1958, he began his teaching career at Park Rapids High School, a career that spanned 35 years of English, speech and drama.
He returned to Bemidji State and obtained his Master's Degree in English and speech. In 1976 he obtained a sabbatical and returned to Moorhead State University where he pursued additional education in the speech and drama field.
On July 15, 1962, he was united in marriage to Arvayda Domholt at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids. They had one son, Lon. They also had a foster son, Dana LeBlanc.
Martin created a winning tradition at Park Rapids High School and carved his name into the state record books in competitive speech and drama. Under his direction, Park Rapids' speech teams captured 28 district championships and 18 regional championships. Park Rapids was ranked 4th in the state for most medals won by a school in class "A" competitive speech and most medals won by a school in a single year with five in 1986.
Martin guided the Park Rapids One Act Play cast to 18 State One Act Play Festivals in 29 years. Six times his casts earned star ratings at the state festival.
In addition to 35 years of teaching speech and theater, Martin served as the chair of District 29 and Region 8 speech and theater activities. He was instrumental in the formation of the Northern Minnesota Speech Coaches Association and served as president of that organization for two years. Martin was twice appointed to the State Drama Advisory Board and served as a regional representative to the Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota. In 1972, Martin was named Park Rapids Educator of the Year, and in 1985 the Grand Rapids Chapter of the National Forensic League named him Coach of the Year in Speech.
Martin also was honored by the Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota, as an outstanding individual in communication and theater for his many years of service to young people in the State of Minnesota. Martin was inducted into the Minnesota State High School League Fine Arts Hall of Fame in 1993.
Additional awards include: Outstanding Young Educator in 1970, the H.N. Bishop Community Award in 1998 and the Headwaters Area Art Council Award for his volunteer services in promoting the arts in the Park Rapids Area.
Martin also taught with the Bemidji State University Upward Bound Program each summer since it's inception in 1966.
After retiring, Martin volunteered with the Kinship Program, the local food shelf, and at the school with the speech program. Martin enjoyed bowling, gardening and fishing. He was a member of the American Legion Post 212 in Park Rapids, and the Headwaters Humane Society. He was a member of the Park Rapids Eagles Club where he had served as president. Martin taught speech at the Wadena Vocational Institute and he was involved with Park Rapids Summer Theatre Program for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Arvayda Carter of Park Rapids; a foster son, Dana LeBlanc; five grandchildren, Mason, Johnathon, Samantha, Justin and Robin; great-granddaughter, Amelia; foster mother, Hazel Brink of Grand Rapids; mother-in-law, Edna Domholt of Park Rapids; two foster sisters, Loya (Bob) Olsen and Yulah (Lee) Sisler, and many foster nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Lon; foster father, Walter Brink; and father-in-law, Oscar Domholt.
Visitation: was held from 5 until 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 27, at Cease Family Funeral Home Chapel in Park Rapids.
Funeral service: was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids. Pastor Stephen Norby officiated. Ben Pilkey was the eulogist. Dave Anderson sang "Turn, Turn, Turn." Roz Pederson was the organist. Congregational hymns were "Morning Has Broken," "Borning Cry," and "How Great Thou Art."
Honorary casket bearers: All past and present Park Rapids High School faculty and students.
Active casket bearers: Bob Schissel, Tony Szymczak, Paul Pederson, Tom Baker, Craig Stanwick, Ralph Sanquist and Gregg Bervig.
Interment: will be held in the spring of 2011 at Bethel Lutheran Cemetery, Dorset.
Martin L. Carter of Park Rapids, died Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010 at St. Joseph's Area Health Services at the age of 76.
Martin was born Aug. 10, 1934 in Chicago, Ill. to Lon and Margaret (Madsen) Carter. At a young age, he moved to Cohasset and became a foster son of Walter and Hazel Brink.
He graduated from Grand Rapids High School, in 1952, and attended Itasca Junior College for a short time before entering the U.S. Army.
After his honorable discharge, he attended Bemidji State University, graduating in 1958. In September of 1958, he began his teaching career at Park Rapids High School, a career that spanned 35 years of English, speech and drama.
He returned to Bemidji State and obtained his Master's Degree in English and speech. In 1976 he obtained a sabbatical and returned to Moorhead State University where he pursued additional education in the speech and drama field.
On July 15, 1962, he was united in marriage to Arvayda Domholt at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids. They had one son, Lon. They also had a foster son, Dana LeBlanc.
Martin created a winning tradition at Park Rapids High School and carved his name into the state record books in competitive speech and drama. Under his direction, Park Rapids' speech teams captured 28 district championships and 18 regional championships. Park Rapids was ranked 4th in the state for most medals won by a school in class "A" competitive speech and most medals won by a school in a single year with five in 1986.
Martin guided the Park Rapids One Act Play cast to 18 State One Act Play Festivals in 29 years. Six times his casts earned star ratings at the state festival.
In addition to 35 years of teaching speech and theater, Martin served as the chair of District 29 and Region 8 speech and theater activities. He was instrumental in the formation of the Northern Minnesota Speech Coaches Association and served as president of that organization for two years. Martin was twice appointed to the State Drama Advisory Board and served as a regional representative to the Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota. In 1972, Martin was named Park Rapids Educator of the Year, and in 1985 the Grand Rapids Chapter of the National Forensic League named him Coach of the Year in Speech.
Martin also was honored by the Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota, as an outstanding individual in communication and theater for his many years of service to young people in the State of Minnesota. Martin was inducted into the Minnesota State High School League Fine Arts Hall of Fame in 1993.
Additional awards include: Outstanding Young Educator in 1970, the H.N. Bishop Community Award in 1998 and the Headwaters Area Art Council Award for his volunteer services in promoting the arts in the Park Rapids Area.
Martin also taught with the Bemidji State University Upward Bound Program each summer since it's inception in 1966.
After retiring, Martin volunteered with the Kinship Program, the local food shelf, and at the school with the speech program. Martin enjoyed bowling, gardening and fishing. He was a member of the American Legion Post 212 in Park Rapids, and the Headwaters Humane Society. He was a member of the Park Rapids Eagles Club where he had served as president. Martin taught speech at the Wadena Vocational Institute and he was involved with Park Rapids Summer Theatre Program for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Arvayda Carter of Park Rapids; a foster son, Dana LeBlanc; five grandchildren, Mason, Johnathon, Samantha, Justin and Robin; great-granddaughter, Amelia; foster mother, Hazel Brink of Grand Rapids; mother-in-law, Edna Domholt of Park Rapids; two foster sisters, Loya (Bob) Olsen and Yulah (Lee) Sisler, and many foster nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Lon; foster father, Walter Brink; and father-in-law, Oscar Domholt.
Visitation: was held from 5 until 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 27, at Cease Family Funeral Home Chapel in Park Rapids.
Funeral service: was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids. Pastor Stephen Norby officiated. Ben Pilkey was the eulogist. Dave Anderson sang "Turn, Turn, Turn." Roz Pederson was the organist. Congregational hymns were "Morning Has Broken," "Borning Cry," and "How Great Thou Art."
Honorary casket bearers: All past and present Park Rapids High School faculty and students.
Active casket bearers: Bob Schissel, Tony Szymczak, Paul Pederson, Tom Baker, Craig Stanwick, Ralph Sanquist and Gregg Bervig.
Interment: will be held in the spring of 2011 at Bethel Lutheran Cemetery, Dorset.
Martin was born Aug. 10, 1934 in Chicago, Ill. to Lon and Margaret (Madsen) Carter. At a young age, he moved to Cohasset and became a foster son of Walter and Hazel Brink.
He graduated from Grand Rapids High School, in 1952, and attended Itasca Junior College for a short time before entering the U.S. Army.
After his honorable discharge, he attended Bemidji State University, graduating in 1958. In September of 1958, he began his teaching career at Park Rapids High School, a career that spanned 35 years of English, speech and drama.
He returned to Bemidji State and obtained his Master's Degree in English and speech. In 1976 he obtained a sabbatical and returned to Moorhead State University where he pursued additional education in the speech and drama field.
On July 15, 1962, he was united in marriage to Arvayda Domholt at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids. They had one son, Lon. They also had a foster son, Dana LeBlanc.
Martin created a winning tradition at Park Rapids High School and carved his name into the state record books in competitive speech and drama. Under his direction, Park Rapids' speech teams captured 28 district championships and 18 regional championships. Park Rapids was ranked 4th in the state for most medals won by a school in class "A" competitive speech and most medals won by a school in a single year with five in 1986.
Martin guided the Park Rapids One Act Play cast to 18 State One Act Play Festivals in 29 years. Six times his casts earned star ratings at the state festival.
In addition to 35 years of teaching speech and theater, Martin served as the chair of District 29 and Region 8 speech and theater activities. He was instrumental in the formation of the Northern Minnesota Speech Coaches Association and served as president of that organization for two years. Martin was twice appointed to the State Drama Advisory Board and served as a regional representative to the Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota. In 1972, Martin was named Park Rapids Educator of the Year, and in 1985 the Grand Rapids Chapter of the National Forensic League named him Coach of the Year in Speech.
Martin also was honored by the Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota, as an outstanding individual in communication and theater for his many years of service to young people in the State of Minnesota. Martin was inducted into the Minnesota State High School League Fine Arts Hall of Fame in 1993.
Additional awards include: Outstanding Young Educator in 1970, the H.N. Bishop Community Award in 1998 and the Headwaters Area Art Council Award for his volunteer services in promoting the arts in the Park Rapids Area.
Martin also taught with the Bemidji State University Upward Bound Program each summer since it's inception in 1966.
After retiring, Martin volunteered with the Kinship Program, the local food shelf, and at the school with the speech program. Martin enjoyed bowling, gardening and fishing. He was a member of the American Legion Post 212 in Park Rapids, and the Headwaters Humane Society. He was a member of the Park Rapids Eagles Club where he had served as president. Martin taught speech at the Wadena Vocational Institute and he was involved with Park Rapids Summer Theatre Program for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Arvayda Carter of Park Rapids; a foster son, Dana LeBlanc; five grandchildren, Mason, Johnathon, Samantha, Justin and Robin; great-granddaughter, Amelia; foster mother, Hazel Brink of Grand Rapids; mother-in-law, Edna Domholt of Park Rapids; two foster sisters, Loya (Bob) Olsen and Yulah (Lee) Sisler, and many foster nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Lon; foster father, Walter Brink; and father-in-law, Oscar Domholt.
Visitation: was held from 5 until 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 27, at Cease Family Funeral Home Chapel in Park Rapids.
Funeral service: was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids. Pastor Stephen Norby officiated. Ben Pilkey was the eulogist. Dave Anderson sang "Turn, Turn, Turn." Roz Pederson was the organist. Congregational hymns were "Morning Has Broken," "Borning Cry," and "How Great Thou Art."
Honorary casket bearers: All past and present Park Rapids High School faculty and students.
Active casket bearers: Bob Schissel, Tony Szymczak, Paul Pederson, Tom Baker, Craig Stanwick, Ralph Sanquist and Gregg Bervig.
Interment: will be held in the spring of 2011 at Bethel Lutheran Cemetery, Dorset.
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