Bob Martinson

bob martinson
Remembering the life of Robert Martinson Robert (Bob) Martinson, age 88, Fargo, ND, died Monday, August 6, 2007 at Bethany Homes, Fargo. Grounded in faith and forged in adversity "Bob" Martinson emerged a man of God who lived a spirited, gentle life full of grace and hope. Baptized, September 18, 1918 at Dutton Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church, Dutton, MT into public and private families of faith that spoke, sang and lived the love of Christ, Robert navigated pre-mature birth, childhood diseases, traumatic accident, and the great depression delighting in his vocations as son, husband, father, cousin, friend, neighbor, and most especially child of God. Robert Benjamin Martinson was born to George and Hilma (Halvorson) Martinson on August 10, 1918 in Dutton, MT. He attended school in Derrick, ND. Robert married Olga Anderson on June 8, 1941 at St. Hans Lutheran Church, Edmore, ND. They farmed on the "home place" near Derrick until 1967. In 1970 Robert and Olga sold the farm to the Wetlands of America and moved to Fargo, ND where Robert was employed at Oak Grove High School, Concordia College, Lutheran Social Services and Olivet Lutheran Church until his retirement in 1985. Robert loved his work and passionately tended facilities and staffs with wisdom and humor. Robert invested in his communities. He served on Derrick District 37 school board and Bethany Lutheran Church's trustees; he chaired the Edmore Farmers Union Oil Company's board, valuing the dividends it returned to the community. He helped start the Edmore Hospital; he sang in the Derrick Male Chorus; he "fixed things" for neighbors; with Olga he became warp and woof of neighborhoods and churches in Derrick, Edmore, Fargo and Mesa, AZ. Robert's love for Olga was deep, steady...active; a remodeled farm house with new appliances; his sharing "house work" and child care as she shared "farm work" marked a partnership of hospitality, tending family and finishing each other's sentences. Robert's caring for Olga through the valley of the shadow of death became his final expression of love and gratitude. Robert held daughters Maxine and Rachel and son Roland in his heart. He saw to their instruction in the Christian faith; he sacrificed for their education; he celebrated their accomplishments; their families adorned his walls and focused his prayers. His character blessed them as his living legacy. Robert is survived by two daughters: Rachel Gonshorowski, Fargo, ND; Maxine Van Hunnik(Gary), Plymouth, MN; one son: Roland Martinson (Sharon), New Brighton, MN; 9 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren; and one sister: Grace Paul, Colorado Springs, CO. Robert was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, 2 sisters, 2 brothers, and one grandson. Visitation: Wednesday 5-7 p.m. in Boulger Funeral Home and Thursday in the church one hour before the funeral service Funeral: Thursday 11 a.m. in Olivet Lutheran Church, Fargo, Nd Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND Arrangements entrusted to Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, ND Online guestbook www.boulgerfuneralhome.com

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