James Joseph (Joe) Martens Obituary
The afternoon of November 11, 2025, Joe passed away suddenly in an accident while helping a friend on his ranch on Sarpy Creek. He was 68 years old. He was doing what he loved, with people he cared about.
Joe was born August 11, 1957 at home in Canoga Park, CA. He was the sixth child, and youngest, of Dale Arthur Martens and Neoma Jane (Baxter) Martens.
Joe lived in Canoga Park, CA until February 1970 when his mom, Jane, moved to Billings, MT with the 4 children remaining at home. It was quite a shock going from sunny southern California to Montana in February. Jane met and married Pistol Phillips in 1972 and moved to his ranch on Tongue River. The blended family now consisted of Jane, Pistol, Lou, Quirt, Joe and Jayne. That is where Joe fell in love with ranching life.
Joe attended high school in Rosebud, MT and graduated in 1975. This is where he met and started dating Loy Brandvik. After graduating, Joe worked at the Hook Ranch and a sawmill in Rosebud (owned by his future father-in-law Art Brandvik). In 1977 he attended Universal Technical Institute in Phoenix, AZ and graduated with a degree in automotive and heavy equipment mechanics – right up Joe’s alley! He loved figuring out how things worked; his siblings have many stories of Joe disassembling and reassembling things at home.
He came back to Rosebud in 1978 and went to work for Beacon Carter in Miles City with a mentor he called “Uncle Duck.” From there he worked for Oftedal Construction in Miles City and then in Colstrip. That’s when he joined the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 400. His grandfather was a member of that union and Joe was proud of that. In 1985 he got hired on at Western Energy Company where he stayed until his retirement on August 31, 2017. Joe worked road construction during layoffs over the first few years. He was proud of that work and would comment about the job when we traveled over that part of the highway. He enjoyed working at Western Energy, the guys on Crew 2, and the pranks and razzing that went on. He would say, “if you can’t run with the big dogs you better stay on the porch.”
Joe and Loy married on April 9, 1983. They have two daughters, Chelsea Jo (January 1986) and Lindsy Kaye (April 1988). Joe adored his “baby girls” throughout the years. He attended as many of their sports and music events as he could. He was so proud of his daughters and their accomplishments. When grandchildren came, there was a new level of love and enjoyment. Joe was a very loving and engaged grandfather.
Joe loved hunting with his buddies, camping at the lake, waterskiing (and he was good at it), riding trails, helping everyone with their cows, and the weekly poker night. Joe worked hard, played hard, and cared deeply. His love and devotion shined through in the time and care he took in helping family, friends, and neighbors with whatever they needed – from moving cows, to mowing lawns, to fixing trucks, to replacing water heaters. Joe was generous with his time and talents. He enjoyed being around people, telling stories (some of them tall tales), having a beer and visiting.
He lived by his convictions and ideals: be a good friend and neighbor, tell the truth, do your best, use your common sense, be kind.
42 years of marriage went by too quickly. Through the ups and downs, Joe was always there.
He will be deeply missed.
Joe was preceded in death by his father and mother; brothers Dale Arthur Martens Jr. of Phoenix, AZ and Robert Earl (Bob) Martens of Vero Beach, FL; stepfather Gerald (Pistol) Phillips of Moon Creek, MT; father-in-law Arthur Rolf Brandvik of Rosebud, MT; and brothers-in-law Rod Pepperell of Phoenix, AZ and Mel Wisdom of Merced, CA.
Joe is survived by his wife Loy, Colstrip, MT; daughters Chelsea Jo (Doug) Drake, Billings, MT; Lindsy Kaye (Tom) Stokoe, Billings, MT; sisters Linda Lee Pepperell, Phoenix, AZ; Karen Dee Wisdom, Roseville, CA; Jayne Lucille Martens, Phoenix, AZ; sister-in-law Debbie Martens, Las Cruces, NM; brothers Lou Phillips, Miles City, MT; Quirt (Jaci) Phillips, Broadus, MT; mother-in-law Audrey Brandvik, Forsyth, MT; sister-in-law Lori (Marty) Reierson, Rosebud, MT.
Nieces and nephews: Shannon (Tom) Buckner and family, Phoenix, AZ; Joanna (Kelly) May and family, Phoenix, AZ; Tammy Milburn, Phoenix, AZ; Daniel (Kaye) Milburn and son, Adkins, TX; Joshua (Erika Franzman) Martens, Santa Clarita, CA; Donna (Felipe) Perez and family, Nashville, TN; James (Marlee) Martens and daughter, San Diego, CA; Erick (MJ) Martens, Phoenix, AZ; Tara (Mike) Benner and son, Lafayette, IN; Michelle (Robert) Marslow and daughter, Brooklyn, NY; Rory (Molly) Phillips and family, Sidney, MT; Talon Phillips and daughter, Miles City, MT; Shawn Makor, Denver, CO; Bryan Makor, Miles City, MT; Casey Makor, Coeur d’Alene, ID; Kaycee (Lonnie) Hagemeister and family, Kinsey, MT; Cedar (Jeremy) Kilen and family, New Salem, ND; Krista (Christopher) Gnerer and family, Volborg, MT; Katie Lynn Bayo and son, Avondale AZ; Scarlet (Dan) Schwendtner and daughter, Bozeman, MT; Philip (Elizabeth) Reierson and family, Rosebud, MT.
Grandchildren: Hailey and Cooper Drake, Quinten and Collin Stokoe.
Special thanks:
To Joe’s “brothers from a different mother” (Larry, Greg, Ross, Dick) for your help through this and the days to come. I know I can count on you all.
To my sister and brother-in-law, Lori and Marty, for being my rock and support. For taking care of so many little things for me.
To my friends, Frankie and Susan, for food, words of hope, and just listening.
To Will Seastrom, Treasure County Sheriff, for being so kind and forthright when delivering the news.
To my daughters, for walking through this with me.
To everyone who has reached out with prayers and offers of help. I am thankful to God for putting me in a community with such kind and caring people.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Thursday December 4, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln
Forsyth, MT 59327
Memorial Service
11:00 am
Friday December 5, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln
Forsyth, MT
Luncheon
Following the Funeral Service
Friday December 5, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Thursday December 4, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln
Forsyth, MT 59327
Memorial Service
11:00 am
Friday December 5, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln
Forsyth, MT
Luncheon
Following the Funeral Service
Friday December 5, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Share
Brenda Potts says
Loy and family
Blessings and prayers are with you. May the angels guide you through this difficult journey
Brenda Potts
Sandy & Steve Perusich says
Loy and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. May the Lord give you strength and comfort to get through this. You are in our thoughts and prayers.❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Sandy and Steve Perusich
Mike and Linda Seleg Wyse says
Loy and families, So sorry to here about Joe, he was a great classmate and friend, thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time
Vickie and Dave Gunderson says
Oh my Lord Loy😥😥 Can’t believe this💔💔
You are all in our prayers🙏🙏
Cora Stennerson says
Loy and family, Randy just talked to Joe on the phone. This is a surprise to us so sorry, prayers and hugs sent to you all.
Janet L Loomis says
Loy and family, I am so sorry to hear this news. So very sorry for your loss.
Prayers and hugs.
Janet
Dave Massey says
A good friend and good mechanic at Western for many years. I always loved teasing him because he would always try to be polite. We had many good times at the “C” shop.
I was devastated when I heard of his death.
My heart goes out to Loy and the girls. He was well liked by those who came in contact with him.
Ingrid and I are so sorry for the Martens family.
Shelly Holum says
This is just so shocking…….. Sending Prayers and BIG HUGS to all of the Family.. Cherish the memories.
Freida says
So sorry to hear this Loy. Will be praying for you.
Jackie McPherson says
Loy and family,
There are no words that can express the sorrow for your loss. Joe will certainly be missed, sending hugs your way.
Ray Jackson says
I have have known the cali kid when he traded a surf board for a saddle horse thanks everything Joe
Susan Stabelfeldt says
Loy, Chelsea and Lindsey
I am just heartbroken. Joe and I always managed to bater back and forth. I will so miss our visits. Love you.
Carla and Jay Kapptie says
Loy and family,
We were so shocked and sad to hear this. Out thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time❤️🩹
Marilyn and Lyle Dorn says
Loy and family, We are so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. His smile, his laugh, his enthusiasm for life will be so missed. May your memories help comfort you and give you strength.
Joanne G Schrupp says
Oh Loy, I am so sad to hear this. Praying for peace and comfort for you and the girls and families. Hugs my friend.
Julie Stephens says
Loy, Chelsea, Lindsy, and families,
Our hearts are breaking for you. 💔
Take care of each other and call if you ever need anything.
George & Julie
Jean Stahmer says
Loy and family, we are heart broken to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a force to be reckoned with! I can hear him telling his stories. Prayers to all of you. Ike and Jean Stahmer
Jean and Ike Stahmer says
Loy and family, we are heart broken to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a force to be reckoned with! I can hear him telling his stories. Prayers to all of you.
Diana Robinette says
Sending my deepest condolences and prayers.
Jeff and Linda Hamilton says
Loy and family, We are saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Joe. The memories of someone so special will live on forever. Wishing you strength and comfort in the days ahead.
Jack and Kris Crocker says
Loy and family,
We are so sorry to hear that Joe passed. Our prayers and condolences are with you. May his memories help to comfort you all.
Jack and Kris Crocker and families
Duane McPherson says
Jane and I are so so sad to hear of Joe‘s passing. Our thoughts and prayers 🙏 go out to you and your family!!
Donnie and Paula Peplow says
Loy, Chelsea and Lindsy
We’re holding you close to our hearts in your grief. I hope for you, as time passes, you will remember those sun filled days at Tongue River soaking up the sun and all of those special memories that bring a smile to your face.
Love you all,
Donnie and Paula
Lu Shomate says
Loy, Chelsea, and Lindsay – this horrible news is so very sad. We are sending you our heartfelt prayers and love. Joe was a great guy that always had a smile on his face. Thinking of you all. Hugs!!!
Janelle Beartusk says
Loy and family,
I’m so very sorry to hear of the heartbreaking loss of your rock, best friend, dad and grandpa. May the Lord wrap his arms around you, comfort you, and bring you strength during this incredibly difficult time. Hugs and prayers to you all.
Janelle
Willowa Heppner Ankeny French says
We are very sorry to hear about Joe. Hugs and condolences to the family.
Ted & Judy McPherson says
Loy and family
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Joe for a long time will miss him. Prayers🙏🙏🙏
John Pachl says
My sincere condolences and prayers.
Deborah J Benson says
Oh Loy, my heart hurts for you. I am beside myself. You are such great friends and neighbors. I will be there for you when you need me – even if you don’t think you do. Love always- Debi
Andy & Donna Mitzkus says
Sorry for your loss. Gonna miss Joe a lot.
Tracee Raymond Waples says
Loy and family,
I have struggled to find the right words as I know there are none that can actually take away the pain of this. It was such a shock when I had heard about Joe’s passing. My deepest condolences to all of you. Joe was such a great guy and I always enjoyed my chats with him. Hugs to all of you. Joe will be missed by all who knew him.
Tami Paul says
Loy
I am so sorry to hear of this. know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time
Patty and Russ says
Loy, Chelsea and Lindsey
We are truly sorry for your loss of Joe. I wish there were words to give you all comfort and peace. Joe lived his life working hard and doing what he enjoyed. When I worked at the mine he treated me with respect and was good to me. He was a good man! You are all in our prayers.
Sending Love ~ Patty and Russ Dunn
Jack and Kris Crocker says
Loy and family, we are so sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. Our deepest condolences and prayers for all.
Jack and Kris Crocker.
Jo and Jarrod Broadus says
Loy, we are so sorry to hear about Joe. We have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Wayne & Lane Buck says
Loy and family We are so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Our prayers and condolences are with you. May his memories help to comfort you all. I will miss our visits at the bar during shipping always looked forward to visiting with Joe.
Nordstrom’s says
Tom remembers the times working with him all those years ago. He calved heifers with him! Pray for comfort for all of you and the loving family you always were! In Christ Tom and Julie Nordstrom
Brian Leslie Hill says
We were so sorry and stunned to hear of Joe’s passing. Loy please know our hearts are with you and your family during this unimaginable tragedy.
Shirley Denny says
Loy and family. We are so very sorry to hear about Joe. We have so many fun memories of our times in Colstrip and Tongue River. Our prayers and condolences to all of you. 🙏🙏
Arlen and Barbie Kirkaldie says
To Joe’s family- our love and prayers are with you
Barbie and I truly enjoyed the “Walmart” visits we had with Joe and Loy since we retired. Spent over 30 years working with Joe, he was a great mechanic and a true friend and was also a gifted craftsman with steel, as he did a number of projects for me personally.
This was truly sad news. May God be with you and comfort you.
Joe always made me smile whenever we saw each other as he would say “ hey young man”
Cause I was actually a couple months older
Darrell Brabec says
Loy our prayers for your family in such a tragic loss.
Greg holum says
Praying for all involved I worked with Joe at oftedal before for he went to mine and then at the mine
Mary & Mike Holzwarth says
Loy, Chelsea, Lindsey & family. You are all in our thoughts & prayers, at this most difficult time. Sending our deepest & sincere condolences.
Brad and Patti Bredeson says
Loy ,Chelsea and Lindsey our thoughts and prayers are with you.He will be dearly missed.Cherish your memories.
Irene Nelson says
Loy and family. what tragic news. May the love of God, family and friends support you during this difficult time.
Penny and Butch Morse says
Loy and Family, Butch and I send you our condolences. We are so, so sorry for your loss. We pray for peace and comfort in the days to come.
Wulf family says
There are no words. So sorry. Our deepest condolences. So many fond memories.
Ken Stokes says
Loy and girls. I’m so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
Doug and Debbie Skiles says
Loy, Chelsea, Lindsey and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a nice man. Please know you are all in our thoughts. Love, Hugs and Prayers
Summer Pattison says
I love you Loy! I have no words! All that I can do is pray for you and girls. Know I am thinking of you every single day!
Sue Mestad says
Loy and family ~
We are so sorry to learn of Joe’s sudden passing. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you now and in the hard days ahead.
Tina says
Loy, Chelsea and Lindsey,
My heart aches so badly over the sudden loss of Joe. He was such a kind hearted and interesting person to visit with when he came to the office. Please know I send my deepest condolences and continue to pray for all of you during this difficult time. Big hugs!!
Doug & Lori Goodheart says
Loy, Chelsea, Lindsey and families
Our hearts are broken with this sad news. May God bless you and keep you thru this difficult time.
Sending prayers and love
Doug & Lori Goodheart
Bonnie J Dickinson says
Oh Loy I am sorry ! Thinking of you and the girls. Joe will be missed by so many ❤️💔
Kristi Dayle says
Loy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers.
Robbie Hensleigh says
Loy, Chelsea and Lindsey- I am sorry for the loss of your husband, Father. Sincere condolences to you and your family at this difficult news.
Mark Stevens says
Loy, Chelsea, Lindsy, So sad to hear about Joe. Prayers are being said for all of you during this time.
mercedes kroll says
The Kroll family sends you all the strength, love and prayers during this time of sorrow. We are so sorry for your loss. Mercedes and Richard kroll
Billie Voldseth says
So sorry for your loss Loy. Our condolences to you and the family. Please call if you need anything. Love you.
Ashley Banner Schlosser says
My heart is broken for you, Loy, and for Chelsea and Lindsy. Joe made such a lasting impact on my life. You all gave me a sense of family and stability during years when I didn’t have much of it, and I will always remember his kindness and presence. I’m so saddened by his passing and am holding all of you close in my thoughts
Ed and Cindy Hatten says
Loy, Chelsea and Lindsay,
We are so sorry to hear of the death of Joe. May you hold his memories close and know how many are grieving with you. Our prayers are with you and your family.
TJ Cape says
Loy, my heart breaks for you. There just are no words. Hugs. TJ
Pete Simonich says
Dear Loy and Family,
Pam and I are sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Pete & Pam Simonich
Jerry & Jo Anne Becker says
We were shocked to hear of Joe’s passing. Keep his love and memories close. You are in our prayers.
Jerry & Jo Anne Becker
Michelle Holm says
Sending Loy and family deepest condolences and prayers for peace. Fly high Joe, and continue to watch over your loved ones.
Tracy Romine says
Loy, Chelsea, and Lindsay,
So sorry for your loss. Joey was so great and will be missed by so many. Prayers and hugs to you all.
Justine Plympton says
Dearest sweet Loy🤗🥰I knew you when you where just a baby🤗❤️❣️ I AM SOO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS❤️🙏.
Jody Haidle says
Loy, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you my love and deepest condolences. Hold on tight to the wonderful memories.
Bruce & Vicky Brandvik says
Loy and family,
So sorry to hear about your loss of Joe. We’re thinking and praying for your family in the days ahead.
Larry Hull says
Loy and family. My heart goes out to you at this most difficult of times! Words cannot really express how I feel about your loss! I have the fondest of memories of Joe, memories that will last me a lifetime time! May Joe rest in the arms of the Angels! Sending warm condolences and healing prayers with hope that they help!🙏🙏
Jackie Armstrong says
Hugs and blessings to all of your family and especially you, Loy.
PENNY J MORSE says
Oh Loy and Lindsy and Chelsea, Butch and I are so sorry. May you memories and love of family and friends get you through this difficult time. You are all loved.❤️
Tom and Rosr Hanser says
Dear Loy and family, Tom and I were very sad to hear the news. You are in our prayers
Sheila Simms-Stiehle says
Loy and family,
I am so sorry this happened. Thinking about you and so heartbroken for you.
Sending you a hug from mom and I until I can give you one in person!
I love you-
Sheila