Obituary: Neal Martin

Neal A. Martin, 56, passed away January 7, 2022, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, N.D., due to complications from COVID.

Neal was born on Oct. 2,1965, to Edward and Joann (Nelson) Martin. He was raised on the family farm near Lake Williams. He attended school in Robinson, N.D., graduating in 1983.

After graduation, he attended Valley City State College for one year and then returned to farm and ranch with his dad. Neal wore a lot of hats throughout his life. He was a builder, a truck driver, worked at the pasta plant in Carrington and operated the Almost Home Bar and Grill in Pettibone for several years. Currently, he helped build and was operating Lakeland Meats of Devils Lake.

He was a hard worker, but he also loved to have fun. His one-of-a kind laugh with an occasional knee slap delighted everyone around him. He knew how to “make a steak” and was known for his little phrases like “Here’s the deal” and “I’m just peachy,” among others we can’t list here! His sense of humor drew people in and he was a friend to all.

Neal never had children of his own, but he dearly loved and cherished his nieces and nephews, and they absolutely loved and adored him. He was not just an uncle. He was their best friend, a confidant, and a fun buddy, who made them laugh and see life through his eyes. Even his great-nieces and nephews loved “Uncle Squeeze” and wanted to be near him and listen to him tell stories.

He loved to spend time with family. He enjoyed fishing (especially on Devils Lake), and was a huge Major League Baseball fan.

Neal was so loved. He will be truly missed by his family and his passing has broken so many hearts. May he rest in heavenly peace.

He is survived by sister, Charlene (Eugene) Guthmiller, Pettibone; brother, Ron Martin, Steele; sister, Marlene (Dan) Wolf, Carrington; nieces and nephews, Janell Lynne, Jeremy Guthmiller, Jenni (Brandon) Martin, Jayden (Betsy) Guthmiller, Braden (Sarah) Martin, Shalee Martin, Landyn (Tara) Wolf and Jordan (Kelsey) Wolf; several great-nieces and nephews; aunts, Anna Woodward and Louise Roerick and many cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Joann Martin; sister-in-law, JoAnn Martin; grandparents, Art and Alice Nelson and Fred and Caroline Martin and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family wishes to thank the critical care doctors and nurses at Altru Hospital for their kindness and care.

Visitation will be from 2 – 4 p.m., on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown, N.D.

Burial with Celebration of Life to follow will be held at Bethany Lutheran Cemetery, Robinson, N.D., in the spring.

Arrangements are in the care of Eddy Funeral Home.