Thomas M. "Marty" Martzall Jr.

Thomas M. "Marty" Martzall, Jr. 79, of Grand Forks, ND and formerly of Manheim, died on Wednesday, July 22, 2015. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Thomas M. Sr. and Esther Rintz Martzall. Marty grew up and attended schools in Manheim, and was a 1954 graduate of Manheim Central High School.

Upon graduation he enlisted in the US Air Force where he was an air traffic controller for 27 years. He was stationed in many places throughout his military career such as Europe, Libya, Thailand, Turkey, and the United States. He retired from the military as a Senior Master Sergeant in January 1981. Upon retirement, he enrolled at the University Of North Dakota at Grand Forks. He graduated with a degree in Accounting in 1992. He worked for H & R Block during tax seasons for 10 years. Marty also worked for The UND Rehabilitation Hospital as a security guard, and later for the UND transportation department. North Dakota was the perfect place for him to retire as he was an avid hunter, fisherman and trapper.

Marty was also a Licensed Auctioneer going to school in Montana in the summer of1983. He made two trips to Australia and New Zealand where he fell in love with Koala bears! Marty was active in the Grand Forks First Church of God as treasurer, and board member for many years.
He was married to Patricia L. Kirkendall in Manheim. They were stationed in France where they adopted a daughter, Karen L. Martzall, in Luxembourg City, Lux. Upon returning to California in 1969, they adopted a son, James R. Martzall, in Fairfield. Thomas and Patricia divorced in 1973.

Surviving is a daughter Karen Martzall and her boyfriend, Daniel Beine of Hatton, ND; a son, James husband of Norma Martzall of San Antonio, TX; two sisters: Phoebe wife of Glen Oelke, of Leola, Theenda wife of Lee Conner of Ovieda, FL., a granddaughter, Sophia Martzall, of San Antonio, TX; a grandson, Benedict W. Schill III of ND, and a great-grandson, Xavier Schill of Grand Forks, ND; many nieces, and nephews. Preceding him in death was a younger brother Henry.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Marty’s funeral service at the Buch Funeral Home, 21 Market Square, Manheim, on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at 2:00 PM. There will be a viewing at the funeral home on Tuesday afternoon from 1:00 PM until the time of service. Interment will be in Hernley Mennonite Cemetery. Full military honors were conducted at services for Marty in Grand Forks, N.D. earlier in the week.