Ronald Albert Martin Sr

Ronald Albert Martin Sr, Waabiziii “Swan”, age 79, of the Eagle Clan, began his journey to the spirit world on December 27, 2025.

Ron was born on November 28, 1946 to Albert Martinez-Martin and Edna Jourdain.  Ron was raised by his grandparents, Ida Spears and John Thunder, and attended Red Lake and Minneapolis Schools.  He was a Vikings and Twins fan. Ron liked watching tv and going to Fond-du-lac Casino, as he lived in Duluth most of his life. His big story of Fond-du-lac is that he didn’t win, but was icy out, fell and slid down the 4 blocks, stopped on the street of the casino, hollering for people to get out of his way! Ron liked to share stories of traveling and working and living in California for awhile. He was a comical and loving person at heart.

Ron is survived by his children: Michelle Morris of California, Shannon Martin of Pine City, Felecity Vara-Clara (Francisco) of Columbia Heights, Ronald Martin Jr of Minneapolis, Amanda Martin of Wisconsin; grandchildren: Tatiana Martin-Gonzalez, Cheyenne Martin, Michelle Martin, David Bourne, Dominic Bourne, Matthew Bourne; great-grandchildren:  Charlotte Cecena-Martin, Jonathon Reynolds, Brayden Adelynn and Kensley Bourne;; cousins claimed as brothers and sisters: Phyllis Iceman, Kenneth Iceman (Olive), Darrell Iceman (Janice) and Ervin Iceman (Sherilyn); and; special niece: Karen Martin; special nephews: Kevin Martin Sr and Gary Martin Sr; nieces: Rosie & Babe Morgan.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Albert Martinez-Martin and Edna Jourdain; grandparents: Ida Spears and John Thunder; brothers and sisters: Fredrick Jourdain, Alberta Martin-Fairbanks and Bruce Ringhand; cousins claimed as brothers and sisters: Rosalie Iceman, Carol Martin, Darlene Cloud, Roland Iceman, Byron Iceman, Priscilla Iceman and Ralph Spears Sr; uncles: Ed Morgan and Alvin Thunder; niece: Jessie Mayotte and wife: Leila Rose Johnson.

A wake will begin at 1 PM on Friday, January 2, 2026 at the Ponemah Boys & Girls Club and will continue until the service at 10 AM on Sunday, January 4, 2026 with Spiritual Leader Allen Hardy officiating. Active Pallbearers will be Stephen Johnson, Joey Johnson Jr, Anthony Johnson, Preston Spears, Oscar Cecena Jr, Gerald Stillday, Terrell Iceman, Justice Iceman. Alternates: Travis Martin, Roland Iceman, Derrick Spears. Honorary Pallbearers will be Paula Iceman, Felecity Vara-Clara, Tatiana Martin-Gonzalez, Karen Martin, Harlan Stillday, Doris Spears, Mike Spears, Jeff Iceman, Shena Martin, Delmer Martin, Karlea Johnson, Kallea Martin, Derrica Cobenais. Burial will be at Iceman Family Burial Grounds in Ponemah. Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service, serving Northern Minnesota.

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