Obituary of Gary Bruce Martin

Gary Bruce Martin, 81, died on May 26, 2025, at the Minnesota VA Medical Center in Minneapolis.

 

Gary was born on June 17, 1943, to Frank and Gertrude Martin in Minneapolis, Minn.

 

Gary enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1961, where he served in the Vietnam War. Gary was stationed in Okinawa where he was a fuel and repair specialist, and was later stationed at Fort Carson, CO where he was trained as a radio operator. Gary was honorably discharged from the military in 1964.

 

On June 17, 1967, Gary married his loving wife of 57 years, Julie Martin in a ceremony in Tripoli, Iowa. Gary and Julie went on to raise three children, April, James, and Christopher, in Minneapolis, Minn.

 

Gary had a long career in the retail industry including 32 years at Sears, Roebuck and Co. where he managed Group Operations and Returns at the East Lake Street Sears store. After locking the doors of the building for a final time after the store was shut down, Gary went on to consult various retailers before joining ShopNBC where he oversaw quality assurance of products sold on the network before retiring in 2011.

 

Gary was a Life Member of American Legion Gopher Post #440 in Minneapolis. He worked tirelessly on various programs to help support and better the lives of veterans. Gary held many leadership positions within the American Legion at the local Post, District and State levels, including Past 5th District Commander. He was a 60 year member of the 40/8.

 

Gary is survived by his wife Julie; children: April Martin, James (Tabatha) Martin, and Christopher (Stacy) Martin; grandchildren: Zachary Wait, Alexander and Taylor Martin, and Lydia and Kathryn Martin; and many other family members and friends.

 

He is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Gertrude; sister Lynn Irwin, brothers Terry Martin and David Martin; niece Rendena Larsen; and granddaughter Brittney Martin.

 

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 12 p.m.

at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 7110 France Avenue South, Edina, MN, 55435

with visitation one hour prior to the service at 11:00am and a social gathering following the service.

Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery will take place on a future date.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Minnesota Veterans Homes.