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“Bill” Martin, age 67 of Valley City died Sunday, January 17, 2016 at his residence. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 AM Thursday, January 21, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Valley City with Rev. JoAnne Moeller officiating. Visitation will be from 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM Wednesday with a Prayer Service beginning at 7:30 PM, all at the church. Interment will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery later in the spring.
“I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:6
William John Martin, 67, passed away January 17th in his home in Valley City, ND. He was born January 21st, 1948, the only son to Cecil and Viola Martin. He attended Valley City High School and graduated with the class of 1968. He was active in football, baseball and wrestling (his passion with these sports would be passed on to his own sons and grandsons). He also would be seen driving Main Street and Central Avenue in his 1967 Mercury Cougar.
Bill married his high school sweetheart, Susan Tibke, on April 24th, 1971. To this union they had two sons, Brooks and Joel. Bill spent his early years as a small engine and vehicle mechanic working at Fleet Wholesale and Farmers Union. He then spent several years working in sales before beginning a 20-year career as a 911 Dispatcher for the Valley City Police Department and 911 coordinator for Barnes County.
Bill had several key passions in his life. One of Bill’s passions was the fire service; he proudly served as a volunteer firefighter for the Valley City Fire Department for over 40 years. Although he missed many meals and time with the family he instilled the value of giving back and helping others in need.
Bill’s main passion in his life was his family; he could not have been more proud of his kids and grand kids. If you had time to spare you just had to ask how they were doing and he would talk as long as you would listen.
Bill is survived by his wife of nearly 45 years, Susan; their sons Brooks (Rena) Martin, Bismarck, ND, and their children Riley, Maverick and Autumn, and Joel (Tammi) Martin, Spearfish, SD and their son Duncan. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law Brad Tibke and Perry (Tammi) Tibke, and sister-in-law Amy (Tim) Yokom, with several nieces and nephews and many cousins.
Bill was greeted in heaven by his parents, his in-laws Del and Opal Tibke, and his grandson Chris Trainor.
Bill was a friend to all, “No man is a failure who has friends”.
An online guest book is available at www.lerudschuldt.com.