Gary D Martin

Gary Dean “Muck” Martin, age 69 of Grafton, ND passed away on Friday, January 25, 2019 at his home in Grafton.

Gary Martin was born August 10, 1949 in Grafton, ND, the son of the late Cecil and Lillian (Rose) Martin. He grew up and attended school in Grafton, graduating in 1967. He served in the US Marine Corps during Vietnam. Following his discharge, he returned to Grafton. He was united in marriage to Jane Vorachek on March 25, 1972 in Grafton, ND. The couple made their home in Grafton and he began working for Hanson Auto and Implement in 1973. Jane passed away in 1997, and he retired in 2018.

Muck was a proud man who lived life on his own terms, never caring much about what anyone else thought.   He loved life and made sure to spend time doing things he enjoyed.   His greatest passion was golfing, didn’t really matter the weather he would’ve golfed in the snow if he could.     He also loved telling jokes & laughing louder than anyone else in the room.   Going to the casino was another source of enjoyment for him, especially when he won.   One of the greatest joys of his life were his grandchildren – he loved visiting with them, hearing about all of their accomplishments & activities, giving them whatever he had in his wallet, and so much more.   He is now resting peacefully in heaven with the love of his life and beloved son getting to spend some time catching up and no doubt he’ll make time for a round of golf.

Gary is survived by his daughters: Michele (Jim) Hansel, Grafton, ND and Kari (Jason) Krolak, East Grand Forks, MN, grandchildren: Easton and Asher Hansel and Luke and Ava Krolak, siblings: Wayne (Sharon) Martin, Grafton, ND, Barb Ellingson, Fargo, ND, Marvin Martin and Tim (Kim) Martin, Grafton, ND, sister-in-laws Virginia Picchi, Chico, CA and Eileen (Robert) Thorvilson, Fargo, ND, brother-in-laws: Paul (Debby) Vorachek, Park River, ND and Brian Vorachek, NV, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Jane, son Shaun, and brother-in-laws: Richard Ellingson, Jim, Lynn, and Roger Vorachek.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, January 31, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-7, with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church for one hour prior to the service. Military rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post #41 and the US Marine Corps Honor Guard. Interment will be at the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in the spring.