Almira Martin

MADISON - Almira Beth (nee Helwig) Martin, 90, of Madison, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 26, 2024.

Beth was born in Waupaca, Wis., the youngest of Karl Helwig and Almira (nee Stuve) Helwig’s four children. The family soon moved to Superior, Wis., where Beth attended the Superior schools through college. Beth was valedictorian for her high school class, just like her siblings before her. Beth met and married her beloved Norman Martin while attending the University of Wisconsin-Superior for her degree in art. Soon after the wedding, Norman was drafted into the U.S. Army, and so Norman and Beth moved to Germany. The couple moved to Nashville, Tenn., after completing Norman’s Army service where Beth taught art classes and Norman attained his master’s degree in library science at Peabody College.  

Upon Norman’s completion of the master’s degree in library science the couple settled in Whitewater, Wis., where they made a home on Lindsey Court. Beth further developed a career as an art teacher for area schools, including the Madison Area Technical College system, while Norman flourished as the first reference librarian for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

On July 6, 1961, Beth gave birth to Kathleen Louise, and on April 29, 1964, Beth gave birth to Lisa Beth. The family thrived in Whitewater, building lifelong friendships, attending and participating in United Methodist Church programs, supporting the Whitewater community, doting on their two grandsons, and taking many family trips.

On Saturday, June 21, 2003, a fatal car accident killed Norman and required Beth to be hospitalized at the UW Hospital in Madison for four months. A new chapter would now begin for Beth with her daughter, Kathy, and Kathy’s husband, Jim Galvez. The three of them all moved into a new home in Madison, Wis., on Oct. 4, 2003, the day Beth was released from the hospital. In 2005, The Hoard Museum of Fort Atkinson, Wis., asked Beth if she would accept the offer to be the featured artist for 2005. Beth happily accepted. This showing turned out to be the largest exhibit and largest attended showing of a Featured Artist for The Hoard Museum. From October 2003 until August 2024, Beth was the family miracle by: recovering and adjusting to her car accident injuries, teaching art in her new home, taking the pet dogs for their daily walks, extensively traveling throughout the United States, Brazil, Ireland, Caribbean, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and visiting so many times, “The Most Magical Place on Earth”- Walt Disney World in Florida.

Beth was preceded in death by spouse, Norman Martin; her parents, Karl Helwig and Almira (nee Stuve) Helwig; her siblings, Virginia (nee Helwig) Goplen, Karl Helwig and William Helwig; and other family and friends.

Beth is immediately survived by her daughters, Kathy Martin (Jim Galvez) and Lisa Martin; and her grandsons, Kenneth and Karl.

A celebration of life will be held at Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at 2 p.m., and will be preceded by a visitation at the funeral home starting at 1 p.m. Immediately following the celebration of life, cake and ice cream will be served at Unity of Madison, 601 Tompkins Drive, Madison.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to Agrace HospiceCare Foundation, Inc., 5395 East Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711, www.Agrace.org, (608) 276-4660.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420