Walter Martin

Walter Martin, 94, Steele, formerly of Tappen, died March 31, 2008 at Medcenter One, Bismarck. Services will be held at 11:00 am Friday at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Tappen with Rev. David Schmidt officiating. Burial will be in Fisher Cemetery, Tappen. Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm Wednesday at Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck and from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm Thursday at Eastgate Steele Memorial Chapel where a prayer service will begin at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church. Walter was born on February 14, 1914, the fifth living child of Frederick Sr. and Margaretha Mittleider Martin about ten miles south of Tappen. He attended school near the farm and worked for area farmers as a youth. He hunted and trapped for spending money. He was baptized at Zoar Evangelical Church south of Tappen and confirmed at the Ebenezer Evangelical Church in Streeter. On January 15, 1935, he married Frieda Werre at the Lutheran parsonage in Streeter by Rev. Grill. After his marriage, they farmed on various farms south of Tappen until 1945 when they moved into Tappen. He owned the blacksmith shop then bought the grocery store. In 1947, he returned to farming and raising cattle on the southeast side of town and drove school bus for many years. In 1979 they retired and built a new home in Bismarck. Walter always had a nice garden and lawn and mowed for others to keep busy. After Mom had her stroke he helped with the cooking, canning and cleaning. He loved children and they always brightened his day. They were members of St. John's Lutheran Church after they moved to town and Walter served as Treasurer for a number of years. He also was on the town board and a fireman. In Bismarck they were members of Our Saviors Lutheran Church and were active in the Germans from Russia Society and the Blind Association. In June 2003 they moved to Golden Manor until August 2004, when they moved to an apartment across the street with 24 hour care. Frieda died April 22, 2006 and Walter re-entered Golden Manor until his death. Walter is survived by daughters, Gloria and Alton Kemmet and Shirley and Dale Berg both of Tappen; grandchildren, Terry and Marlene Kemmet and Craig and Leslie Kemmet of Tappen, Dawn and Roger Thompson of Bismarck, Deanna and Matt Lachenmeier of Tappen and Michael Berg of Bismarck; nine great-grandchildren, Kimberly and Robert Russell, Dr. Lindell Kemmet and Kandace, Alan, Kristine, Mary and Kay Kemmet and Bradyn and Dylan Lachenmeier; four great-great grandsons, Ethan, Ellis, Seth and Dylan; four step-great-grandchildren, Alex, Laurel, Hudson and Hayden McHenry; brother, Tilmon Martin of Steele; sisters, Tabea Mueller of Steele, Emma Morlock and Lydia Morlock of Bismarck, Esther Guthmiller of Carrington and Norma Pool of Columbus, OH; sisters-in-law, Alvina Martin of Minot, Erna Martin of Medina, and Mathilda Zimmerman of Fargo and Emma Werre of Bismarck; brothers-in-law, Jim Pool of Columbus, OH and Albert Guthmiller of Jamestown; a host of nieces and nephews; and special little friends, Mason and Nevaeh Johnson and Ivan. He was preceded in death by his wife Frieda, whom he celebrated 71 years of marriage with; his parents; his sisters, Mary Wall Geist, Caroline Geist, Leah Guthmiller and Verna Guthmiller; his brothers, Fred, John, David and Israel and a special sister-in-law who he visited with every day at the Golden Manor, Anna Martin. We want to thank the staff and everyone at Golden Manor for their care and special attention they gave to dad. He thrived on hard work, while he was able, children and attention. He was a joker. Walter was a special person. We thank God for him. He will be missed by many.

Walter Martin

February 14, 1914 - March 31, 2008