Phyllis (Iverson) Martinson

Phyllis Ann “Fefe” Martinson (Iverson) died on Monday, Sept. 10, 2018, in Severna Park, Maryland, at the age of 79. She passed away peacefully in the arms of her children after a long and valiant fight with dementia.

Phyllis was born on Feb. 19, 1939, in Springfield, Brown County, Minnesota, to Gilbert and Gertrude Iverson. She graduated from Springfield High School and briefly attended Mankato State University before moving to the Twin Cities to work for Rosemount Inc. for 25 years. Following retirement, she moved to Maryland to be closer to her children.

Fefe was a devoted single parent who provided a safe and supportive environment for her family. She was strong, gentle, and always lent a shoulder and a helping hand. She supplied endless hugs, smiles, and immeasurable amounts of love. Fefe enjoyed gardening, shopping, baking, and cooking traditional Minnesota hot dishes. She is as giving in death as she was in life, donating her body to Diabetes and Vascular Dementia research. She will be remembered as a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. 

Phyllis is survived by her son, Lee S. Martinson of Queen Anne, Md.; daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly and James Duncan of Millersville, Md..; her sister, Pearl Ziegenhagen of Clements; her brother, Gary and his wife, Linda Iverson of Apple Valley; five grandchildren, a great-grandson, and several nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to thank Genesis Health Care for their unending love and care, Hospice of the Chesapeake for their guidance and support, and Anatomy Gifts Registry for the opportunity to give back to science.

A private memorial will take place in Maryland next summer.