Crandell, Martin L. (1924-2004)

CRANDELL, WIECKHORST, ABBOTT, ARENDS, DREDLA, EBERLY, GARRELS, SWISHER, DREDLA, PIERCE

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 1/31/2010 at 19:03:05

Martin L. Crandell - Dec. 24, 1928 - Dec. 29, 2004

Martin L. Crandell, age 76, of Storm Lake died on December 29, 2004, in Storm Lake, Iowa.

Martin Lawrence Crandell was born December 24, 1928, in Nebraska City, Nebraska, to Clarence Arthur and Freida Charlotte (Wieckhorst) Crandell. Through his early years, he lived with his family in Nebraska City, Friend, NE, and Beatrice, NE, attending grade school and junior high school. They eventually moved to David City, Nebraska, where Martin graduated from David City (NE) High School before he enlisted in the Marine Corp on August 26, 1946.

During his enlistment in the Marines, Martin served in the Marine Corp Recruiting Depot in San Diego, CA, before his honorable discharge on August 25, 1949. Later that year he joined the Army National Guard serving in 134th FA in Storm Lake acquiring the rank of SFA. Martin proudly served in the National Guard until his discharge in 1988.

In 1946, Martin married Lillian Abbott. On August 1, 1967, Martin was united in marriage to Cheryl Arends in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Martin was a member of the All Saints Episcopal Church in Storm Lake. He was a past Senior Warden at the church as well as serving as a vestry member and on the discernment committee. As a child, Martin was baptized in Nebraska City and later confirmed.

Following his discharge from the Marines, Martin enrolled at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He graduated from there with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education in 1953 and a Master of Music Degree in 1954. He taught in Wahoo, NE, from 1954-60. From 1960-64, he managed a Jenkins Music Store in Kansas City. He taught in Marcus, IA, for seven years before coming to Storm Lake where he was director of bands for 23 years.

Throughout Martin’s career as an instrumental performer and instructor he achieved many awards including the IBA Karl King Distinguished Service Award and the Northwest Iowa Distinguished Service Award. While in Wahoo, NE, the Jaycees named him as their “Outstanding Man of the Year”. Martin’s performance credits include 3 years in the Marine Band, 9 years in the 43rd Army Band, Nebraska National Guard, the Big Bands of Bob Crosby, Ray Anthony, Guy Lombardo, Jan Garber, Jimmy Dorsey, Warren Durrett and the Kansas City Chiefs Kicks Band. He played in show bands for Red Skelton, Patti Page, John Davidson, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Nancy Wilson, The Temptations, The Imperials and conducted the Bob Hope Show Band at the Clay County Fair. While a band instructor, Martin’s high school bands achieved top ratings in Marching, Concert and Jazz band competitions. His concert band performed as honor group at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion and Morningside College in Sioux City. After his retirement in 1995, Martin continued his love for music by directing band clinics, camps, honor bands, and teaching private lessons. He also substitute taught and performed regularly with many area & regional bands.

Martin also participated in activities with the Masonic Lodge and ESGR (a volunteer group which supports the reserves and National Guard). In his spare time Martin enjoyed fishing, hunting and cribbage.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Cheryl of Storm Lake; sons Steven Crandell of Lincoln, NE, and Christopher Crandell of West Des Moines, IA; daughters Margaret Dredla of Scottsbluff, NE, Terri Eberly of Red Cloud, NE, and Mary Garrels of Ankeny, IA; brother, Robert Crandell of Winona, MN, and sister Lois Ann Swisher of Middletown, IA; grandchildren: T.J. Dredla, Anne Pierce, Matt Crandell, Gretchen Dredla, Grant Eberly, Lance Eberly, Joel Crandell, Clare Crandell, Anna Eberly and Nicholas Crandell as well as other extended family members and friends.

Preceding Martin in death were his parents.

A Memorial Service will be Sunday, January 2, 2005, at 2:00 p.m. at the Lakeside Presbyterian Church in Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the services. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial fund.

Copyright © 2005, Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home

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