Thomas M Martzall, Jr.

Thomas M. "Marty" Martzall, Jr. 79, Grand Forks, ND died Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at home. "Marty" or Tom, was born June 15, 1936 in Lancaster, Pa. to Thomas M. Martzall Sr. and Esther Rintz. He grew up and attended schools in Manheim Pa, He graduated from Manheim Central high school in 1954. 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. He graduated with a degree in Accounting in 1992. He was employed at the UND Rehab hospital as a security guard and then became a bus driver bringing rehab patients to and from their appointments. He then transferred to the UND transportation department where he drove students and staff all around campus and to the airport. While there, he earned his motor coach chauffeurs commercial driver's license which gave him the opportunity to drive the UND sports teams and faculty to many away games and on numerous trips. During the 1970's and 1980's, he was employed during the fall beet harvest as a piler operator at American Crystal Sugar Co. Upon receiving his accounting degree in 1992, he began working the tax seasons for H&R Block for 10 years. Finally fully retiring in 2011. He was married to Patricia L. Kirkendall in Manheim, PA. They were shortly then stationed in France. While there, they adopted daughter, Karen L. Martzall, in Luxembourg City, Lux. Upon returning to the United States in 1969 to California they adopted son, James R. Martzall, in Fairfield. Divorced in 1973, Marty was stationed for a second time at the Grand Forks Air Force Base where he remained until his retirement in 1981. North Dakota was the perfect place for him to retire as he was an avid hunter, fisherman and trapper. He was also a Licensed Auctioneer going to school in Montana in the summer of1983. He was quite the accomplished baker whose specialty was Rhubarb custard meringue pie and pumpkin and zucchini breads. He also loved gardening, canning and jelly making. He was also loved to dance and travel. He made two trips to Australia and New Zealand where he fell in love with Koala bears! He was active in the First Church of God as treasurer and board member for many years. He loved going to services on Sundays and out to local restaurants to pray and have fellowship with other church members. He is survived by daughter Karen Martzall and boyfriend, Daniel Beine of Hatton, ND. Son James Martzall and wife Norma Martzall of San Antonio, TX. Sisters: Phoebe and Glen Oelke, Leola, PA. Theenda and Lee Conner of Ovieda, Fla. Granddaughter- Sophia Martzall, San Antonio, TX. Grand son- Benedict W. Schill III of ND and Great-grandson, Xavier Schill of Grand Forks, ND. Many nieces and nephews and grands. He is preceded in death by his mom, dad and younger brother Henry. Funeral Services will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, July 28, 2015 in the First Church of God, Grand Forks. Visitation will be Monday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service in Amundson Funeral Home. Visitation will continue for the hour before the service in the church. Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post #157, The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3817 and the North Dakota Army National Guard. Burial will be in Manheim, PA. Memorials are prefered to Hospice or to The First Church of God.