Art Martel

Art Martel, 70, Bismarck, died July 3, 2014, at Detroit Lakes, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 am Friday, July 11, at Church of St. Mary, Bismarck, with Rev. Msgr. Gene Lindemann officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Thursday, July 10, at Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck, where a vigil service will begin at 7:00 pm. Art was born on June 21, 1944, and grew up in Rolette, ND. After high school he attended college at UND and completed his bachelor's degree at Mayville State University. Art began teaching English and Speech in Dunseith, ND, after graduation. He worked as a seasonal immigration officer at the Dunseith, ND US/Canada Port of Entry. Art met Verla in 1967 and they were married on June 7, 1968. Art moved to full-time employment with the Department of Homeland Security. He served at several ports of entry including, Raymond, MT, Fortuna, ND, Sherwood, ND, and Antler, ND. Art protected our country for 35 years through the roles of officer, supervisor, fire arms instructor and port director. He lived by the border and kept a loyal, watchful eye, even when not on duty. Art and Verla had three children, Rachel, Doug and Greg. All of whom currently live in the Bismarck-Mandan area. Art retired from US Customs and Border Protection on October 1, 2005. He and Verla purchased land east of Bismarck and built a beautiful home to share with family and friends as a haven to live out retirement. Art was an amazing woodworker, creator and artist. He loved animals and with his skilled hands could turn a block of wood into any one of God's creatures-in beautiful detail and full of color. He also loved the art of taxidermy and could create a look to animals as though he breathed life back into them. Art was a fisherman, hunter, and loved gardening. Art would have done anything for his wife, children, grandchildren, or anyone he saw in need. He was a private and humble man. He was very proud of his years of Federal service. Art loved this country, and prayed for the United States to remain strong and free. Art stated many times that he would be lost without his wife, Verla, beside him. He lovingly referred to her as "The Boss." He bragged about how lucky he was to have found such a beautiful bride, and frequently told us that she is still as beautiful as the day they met. Art loved his children and was so proud of them. He organized gatherings to keep his family close. His children loved him more than words could ever express. They have lost their hunting guide and partner. They have lost their fishing buddy. They have lost the man that they go to for help, advice, and most of all, for companionship and love. Art loved his brothers and sisters and held exceptional pride in how close they were when they were young. Art is survived by his wife, Verla Martel; daughter, Rachel Southam and her husband, Bernie, and their children, Veronica Jeremy, Natasha and George and great-grandchild, Charlie; son, Doug Martel and his wife, Larreta and their children, Serena and Isaiah; son, Greg Martel and his wife, Angela, and their children, Emma, Nolan, and Alec; and Art's five living siblings, Charlene Ron Balla, Don Colleen Martel, Pat Jim Haun, Linda Bill Hastings and Gene Theresa Martel. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Irene Martel; brother, Ricky; and sister, Joyce. Art was very knowledgeable about gun safety. His respect for the danger of a mishandled weapon was taught to his co-workers and children over and over. Art held a tremendous respect for the power of a firearm. His life was ended by the tragic misjudgment and mishandling of a loaded weapon by another man. We believe that Art would want this loss of life to be a reminder and a plea to all of you to never underestimate the danger of a weapon.

Art Martel

June 21, 1944 - July 3, 2014