Daniel Hild Martin

Daniel H. Martin, 68, of Benson, Minnesota, passed away on June 3, 2026; at his hospital bedside he was surrounded by family and friends.

Daniel is survived by his mother Ruth (aka Oma) Hild Martin; his sons Andrew Martin and Erich Martin; grandsons Conner and Hunter Martin; siblings Heidi (Scott) Frasz, David (Diane) Martin, Johnny Martin and a half-brother Michael Martin; stepdaughters Jennifer Granlund Anderson and Valerie Granlund Christiansen. As well as his constant companion, his dog, Maya and many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 30 years, Connie Chapman Martin, his father David Richard Martin, and his stepdaughter Kecia Kuroyama McKeon.

Dan was born in Bryn Mawr, PA on November 29, 1957. He grew up in several communities that shaped his values and character; his young life in Phoenix, Arizona and Brooklyn Park, Minnesota; many summers at his father’s campground in Alexandria, MN and summers traveling with his mother to visit relatives in Germany. After attending Park Center High School in Brooklyn Park, MN, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at the airbase in San Antonio, TX. After his service, he met Connie, they married and started their family in Brooklyn Park, MN (with many family visits to Osakis) before moving to Benson, MN. There he and Connie raised their sons and proudly owned and ran the Monitor Printing Company. Towards the end of his printing business career, Dan was also employed with Superior Industries, Inc., earning the respect of fellow employees and managers alike.

After his dear wife’s death in 2019, he moved briefly to Prescott Valley, AZ then for a few years to Phoenix to reconnect with paternal cousins and for the love of an old friend; in 2025 he moved back to Benson.

Our memories of Dan include: the farm and printing business he built with his wife in Benson; Boy Scout outings; projects with his sons; hunting for that prize elk or deer; fishing for his biggest Walleye catch ever; camping and gazing up from the campfire to the star-filled skies; riding his John Deere lawnmower and wrestling with his loved pet, Maya .

He enjoyed the fun and excitement of playing pulltabs, golfing, billiards, watching old westerns on TV, rooting for his Minnesota Vikings football team, listening to IHeart radio for classic and oldies music. Additionally, he also enjoyed a good traditional German Shnitzel with a beer, lasagna, lobster and prime rib. He fondly recalled the “meat box” shared with his siblings in years gone by. He loved talking about one of his lifelong dreams of someday restoring his vintage 1970 AMX car.

In his more recent years of retirement he embraced his adventurous traveling spirit, joining with an old friend to pursue some of his “bucket list” travel destinations thus traveling or cruising to over 15 U.S states including Alaska and Hawaii then to Canada and after 30 years visiting back to Germany with his son and mother.

Dan was a good and honest man who raised sons he was so proud of. He loved animals and had an adventurous spirit. We will remember most his quiet strength, soft heart, subtle humor, loving devotion, and unshakable loyalty. He supported and uplifted those around him in countless ways. Even in death, his memory will comfort and inspire all who knew him—and who love him still.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home located at 101 W. Nokomis, Osakis, MN 56360. A burial service will follow at West Evergreen Cemetery. Please join family and friends for a celebration of life reception after the burial, details to be provided at the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity or cause of their choosing in Dan’s honor.

(The memorial service will be live-streamed and can be viewed below Dan's obituary on the funeral home’s website. It can be viewed on the day of the service and will remain available for a period of time after.)