Russell Vernon Martin, age 77, of Miles City, passed away on March 25, 2015 at his home in Miles City with his family by his side.
Russ was born on August 19, 1937 in Melstone, MT. He was the son of Russell D. and Vera (Willy) Martin. He grew up going to various grade schools. Russ often joked about attending 12 different schools before he graduated High School. He graduated High School from Miles City. He attended a year of college in Bozeman, MT and shortly after he married Peggy Jacobson. To this marriage they had four children: Curt, Doug, Naomi and Nanette. Russ started out as a fireman in 1962 and retired as a Fire Chief in 1988. He also worked as a flooring installer from 1965 until 2009. He always kept his family first and did whatever it took to provide for them. Russ enjoyed the outdoors. Fishing and hunting were two of his favorite pastimes. The biggest love of Russ’s life was his family. He was a lifelong member of the Eagles for 40 years and a member of the First Lutheran Church.
Russ is survived by his wife Peggy of 57 years; his daughters: Naomi (Scott) Rhodes, of Eureka, MT and Nanette Wade of Miles City, MT; his sisters: Nancy (Joe) Griesgraber and Wanda (Willy) Hodgson. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Aaron Martin, John Martin, Tim Martin, Matthew Wade, Jimmy Wade, Sarah Wade, Andy Wade, Willie Wade, Caitlyn Martin, Ethan Martin and great grandchildren Dillon Martin, Brekin Wade, Willa Martin and Annika Wade. Russ was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and his sons Curt & Doug.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 30, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Elaine says
To the Martin family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. May your beautiful memories be among the most precious of your possessions and may they always fill your heart with joy. And although there are no words that can take away the pain, please remember that you are not alone. Psalm 46:1 says that God is our refuge and strength, a help that is readily found in times of distress. Pray to Him for strength. He will really help you (Isaiah 41:10) because He cares for you. Through His Son Christ Jesus, He has given us the hope of eternal life. Acts 17:31; John 11:25; Revelation 21:3,4; Matthew 6:9,10. May these promises bring you comfort and peace. Heartfelt prayers to the family.
Jerry Smith says
Sorry for you loss. Russ will be missed. I thought a lot of him and had a lot of respect for Russ.
Charlie & Kathy Beauchot says
We are so sorry for your loss. Russ was a good man and a good friend.
Fred South says
So sorry to hear of his passing. Always enjoyed his friendship.
Tom & Kathy Strub says
Love and prayers to all. Heaven gained a wonderful kind man.
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Peggy and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss of Russ. He was a good man. Prayers to all of you. God Bless.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
My thoughts and prayers are with you. One of my fondest memories of Russ is his laugh.
Denise Harvey says
Dear Nan and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of your Dad. May you be blessed with comfort and cherished memories.
Denise and Jay Harvey
Sherri Prevel-Schneidt says
Peggy so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.
B. Dean Holmes says
I was lucky to know Russ. A very good public servant. To Peggy and Family, my prayers are with you. Rest in peace Russ, you served well.
Sandy McFarland-Hays says
Peggy and Family, So sorry to hear about Russ. Sending prayers your way.
Betty Steiner says
Peggy,
I remember well Russ when I was in Miles City. I remember he laid carpet in our home on S Jordan. Hold close the memories and things will be easier in the days and months to come.
May God Bless you in the days to come.
Betty Steiner
Curtis L says
I am a 3rd Generation Firefighter & Former Chief of the Santa Fe Fire Dept in New Mexico. My Late Father retired from Glendive Montana Fire Dept, Glenn Buck Lardy. My thoughts & Prayers are with your family.
Cheryl Rainey Yasuda says
Nan and family,
Thinking of you at this time of sorrow at your dad’s passing. You have a wonderful heritage, and I hope that will sustain you.
-Mike & Cheryl Rainey Yasuda
Blackie & Carol Schneider says
Peg and family,
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat and Cheryl Rogers says
Peg and family,
So sorry to hear of Russ’ passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you during this time and the months to come.
Miles Finch says
Peggy– Sorry to hear of your deep loss. I so enjoyed both Russ and you the few times I have made it to reunions (and in our school years, of course). It comforts me to know that life is but the womb for eternity, and though all of our loves and friendships are stamped “incomplete” for life’s brief period, the REAL life will afford us time and opportunity to deepen our knowledge and appreciation for each other. It seems that a main assignment of life is to build our “data-bank” for later. May you sense our living Lord’s presence now (and from now on) in a very comforting way.
Vi Martin says
Peggy and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Russell. My heart goes out to you all.
Roger Halvorson says
Peggy:
My heart goes out to you with the passing of Russ. May the precious Holy Spirit wrap you in His strong arms and hold you close as you face the coming days.
Marcia (Martin) Robinson says
To the family of Russ,
I have the fondest memories of Russ at the fire department in Miles City as a little girl. My father is Marlowe Martin who passed away over a year ago. My dad had great memories of Russ. I spent the last seven months of my dads life with him and we had great conversations about the good ole days at the fire department…
My heart felt condolences to your family Russ was a great man!
Marcia
june opp says
Dear Peggy and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Russ’s passing, know our thoughts and prayers are with you all We know he will be missed very much. He was a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time and the days ahead.
Ruben and June Opp
Ken and Karen Strobel says
Peggy and Family
We were saddened to hear about Russ. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Cherish the memories.
Randy and Jean King says
Sorry to hear of Russ passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Memories of fishing, installing flooring, and working at the fire department, he was a good friend and will be missed!
Mike & Judy Toennis says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Brent and Kim Christopherson says
It was just great to see Chief Martin (Russ) at our annual Christmas gathering in Miles City at the Fire Department this last December. He was the Fire Chief that hired me as a career firefighter in 1985. I appreciated his leadership/friendship throughout the years. He was one of a kind and I enjoyed his smile and goodness shown to the citizens of Miles City and Firefighters. Russ will truly be missed and I thank Russ, Peg, and family for their dedication in serving the Miles City community for a great number of years. We are sorry we could not make it over to the funeral today. God’s Blessings to you all!
Wesley Hodgson says
Peggy and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Russell’s passing. I have some great memories of him, especially when I was younger and when you all lived by the fire department. I also remember talking with him a great deal at the fire hall as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, sorry about your loss. Love and blessings to you all.
Rita Crone says
Peggy and Family,
I am truly very sorry to hear about Russ’s pasing. May God be of comfort in the many day’s ahead, and one day you will meet again. What a glorious day that will be!
Sally & Chris Christensen says
Peggy, we were so sorry to hear about Russ. He was a good friend and we will miss seeing him when we are in Miles City. Our best wishes and prayers to you and your family. You will have wonderful memories to help you thru this rough time.
todd ledin says
peggy i’m so sorry to hear of uncle russ and his passing i will miss him and i hope you’re doing ok