Gerhard "Gary" Martinmaas, age 77, of Huron, passed away Sunday, November 26, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family after a valiant battle with cancer. His memorial service was heldat 2:00 PM, Thursday, November 30th at the Kuhler Funeral Home.
Gerhard "Gary" Leo Martinmaas was born May 23, 1940, to Herman and Viola (Kuper) Martinmaas at Miller, South Dakota. He grew up in Oregon and graduated from Serra Catholic high school at Salem, Oregon.
On July 12, 1986, Gary married Mary Danielson at the First Assembly of God Church at Huron.
Gary worked in meat packing at Huron Dressed Beef and Armour's. He later worked in maintenance at the Crossroads and at McDonalds. Gary worked as a farm hand for Ted Jennings of Miller. He also had his own cleaning service.
Gary enjoyed gardening, bowling, deer hunting, fishing, camping and playing cards. He was also an avid guitar player, and enjoyed playing for work parties and family gatherings. Gary was a good maintenance man as he enjoyed fixing things.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Justin Gary Martinmaas; and his brother-in-law, Darrell Danielson.
Grateful for having shared in his life are his wife, Mary of Huron; eight children, William "Billy" (Kim) Martinmaas of Vancouver, Washington, Karen Wood of Portland, Oregon, Patrick Martinmaas of Portland, Oregon, Trina (Scott) Adermann of Huron, Gerhard "Gary" (Jennifer "Jen") Martinmaas of Aberdeen, Starla (Casey) McKown of Huron, Dustin (Halie) Martinmaas of Aurora and Amanda Martinmaas of Huron. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Zackary, Tabitha, Maggie, Noah, Shayla, Kiana, Brandee, Shantell, Andrew, Shannon and Sara; one great-granddaughter, Alaina, and one great-grandson on the way; one sister-in-law, Dot Koschney of Huron.
Gary is also survived by seventeen brothers and sisters, Patricia (Al) Gray, Sheila (Denny) Schiedler, Mike (Debbie) Martinmaas, Sister Mary Ann Martinmaas, John Martinmaas, Theresa (Chuck) Durbin, Dorothy (Ron) Dunham, Anne (Paul) Upshaw, Herman (Sharon) Martinmaas, Jr., Colette (Mark) Aggson, Marla (Tony) Fetterhoff, Mark (Lynne) Martinmaas, Cheryl (James) Wenger, Barb (Greg) Watkins, Joseph (Tara) Martinmaas, Selena Martinmaas and Paul Martinmaas, all of Oregon; and many nieces and nephews.