Blanche L. Martinson, 81, of Red Wing, died Sunday, Nov. 20, 2005, at Fairview Red Wing Medical Center. She triumphed over multiple illnesses. She was born Nov. 14, 1924, in Emmons, to Adolph

and Emma (Clementson) Leonhardi. She was a 1942 graduate of Emmons High School and married Donald Martinson on March 30, 1945, at Emmons Lutheran Church. She worked for a number of years as a secretary for Wilson Meat Packing Plant in Albert Lea. They lived in Eagle Bend, Renville and Bemidji prior to moving to Red Wing in 1969. She redecorated the house which is now the Candlelight Inn

and worked diligently to get it on the State Registry of Historic Homes. She also owned and operated the A Small World shop in the Pottery Mall. She was an active member of United Lutheran Church.

Survivors include her husband, Donald; two daughters, Wendy (Frank Berlingis) Martinson of San Antonio, Texas, and Heidi (Tracey Peterson) Martinson of Hager City, Wis.;

three step grandchildren; one step great-grandson; two brothers, Herbert Leonhardi of Lake Mills, and Adolph (Jean) Leonhardi of Sun City, Ariz. She was preceded in death by her son, Darryl Martinson, four sisters and four brothers.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at United Lutheran Church, Red Wing, with The Revs. Randall Johnson and Steve Timm officiating. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery in Emmons

at a later date. Honorary pallbearers will be her step grandchildren, step great-grandson and nieces and nephews. Visitation will be one hour prior to the time of services Wednesday at the church.

Memorials are preferred to United Lutheran Church Emmons Lutheran Church or the Children’s Home Society.

Mahn Family Funeral Homes, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel, is handling arrangements.