A livestream of the service can be viewed by accessing https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=faithchurchminot
To view the flowers from Bruce’s service, click here: Bruce Martin Flowers
Bruce Martin, 88, longtime Des Lacs area farmer, rancher and community supporter died peacefully on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 in his home with his family at his side.
Bruce Alden Martin was born on September 27, 1932 on the family farm near Mohall, ND to Henry and Naomi (Gunter) Martin. The family moved to a farm near Des Lacs when he was 2 weeks old. He attended Des Lacs Elementary School and High School graduating in 1950. While in high school he enjoyed all sports and was a member of an all tournament team for basketball. As a young adult he joined the U.S. Army on February 10, 1953 and was stationed with the 426th Field Artillery Battalion in Germany. During his service time he received a Sharpshooter Badge (Carbine), Marksmanship Badge (Sub-Machine Gun), Army of Occupation Medal and National Defense Service Medal. He received his honorable discharge as a Tech Sergeant on February 11, 1955 and returned to North Dakota.
Bruce married Joyce Eckert on August 11, 1957 at United Methodist Church in Des Lacs. They made their home on a farm/ranch in Rolling Green Township of Ward County south of Des Lacs where they raised small grains and cattle. They were the proud parents of four children. In addition, he was employed by E7 Ranch, Minot Livestock Auction, Harrington Bros. Sales Ring and drove school bus for the Berthold School District for twenty-seven years.
Bruce was a lifelong member of the Des Lacs United Methodist Church. He was very involved in community affairs and served on numerous boards. He was named Jaycees Young Farmer of the Year and received the Kiwanis Achievement Award and Soil Conservation Award. Also, he was active in 4-H as a member and leader for twenty years and served as a Barn Manager at the North Dakota State Fair for many years.
Bruce’s loving family includes his wife of 63 years Joyce; children: Jill (Donnie) Fladeland of New Town, Todd Martin of Des Lacs, Jack (Kari) Martin of Minot and Rhonda (Tim) Murphy of Dodge City, KS; grandchildren: Jessica (Dick) Woodbury, Kami (Russ) Kling, DJ Martin, Dustin Martin, Kallie (Ben) Goodman, Logan (Kelsie) Murphy, Taylor (Rebecca) Murphy; fourteen great grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Jeannie Ellefson, Marilyn (Bill) Goheen, Gaila Willenbring, Sue Kivley, Carol Martin and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, siblings (spouse): Wallace (Marion) Martin, Henry Jr. (Georgia) Martin, Lynn Martin, Deloris (Gerald Hermanstad; Tony Busch); infant brother: Wayne Martin and in-laws: Donovan Eckert and Bob Ellefson.
Celebration of the Life of Bruce Martin: Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in Faith United Methodist Church – Minot. A livestream of the service can be viewed by accessing https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=faithchurchminot
Interment will be in Rolling Green Cemetery -rural Des Lacs.
Visitation: Monday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home – Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the Rolling Green Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund or the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
