Shirley Jean (Engesser) Martin, age 91, passed away on July 24, 2026, at Prairie View Senior Living in Tracy, Minnesota. Memorial Services are pending at this time. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Shirley was born on March 3, 1935, in Tracy to Pete and Pearl Engesser. On April 10, 1954, she married John Martin of Garvin at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy. They had three children and remained married until John’s death on December 3, 2001.
During John’s military career, she and her family lived in many places, including Africa, Newfoundland, Alaska, and at several military bases throughout the lower 48 states. In 1975, Shirley and her family returned to Minnesota and settled in Balaton. After returning to Minnesota, Shirley and John purchased the Morgan Brand Popcorn Company, where she managed the company’s books until they sold the business in 1985.
Shirley was a past member of both the Garvin Congregational Church and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy. She was active with the VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries, and also volunteered for years with Meals on Wheels. She was an accomplished seamstress and cook, as well as an ardent music lover with a particular love for the big band era. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, crafting, and playing cards with friends. She especially loved spending time outdoors tending to her flower gardens. Those who knew her will recall often finding her relaxing in her
backyard with a glass of brandy beside the fire.
Shirley is survived by her sons, Michael “Marty” Martin of Balaton and Curt Martin and his wife, Ronda, of Palmer, Alaska; and four grandchildren, Tolif Martin and Candie Cole of Denver, Colorado, Chris Brand of Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, and Cody Martin of Palmer, Alaska.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Pearl Engesser; her daughter, Deborah Brand; her brothers, Earl, Harold “Whitey,” and Jerry Engesser; and her sisters, Verna Swift and Vesta Almhjeld.
Shirley will be remembered for her no-nonsense approach to life, her many talents, her love of family and friends, her genuine laugh, and the joy she found in life’s simple pleasures.