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Gary Martin Obituary

Gary Arlen Martin Left us on May 14, 2011 at Tacoma General Hospital. Gary was born on August 22, 1933 in Wenatchee, Washington to William B. and Hilda A. Martin. Gary met Juanita Geer and married her in Puyallup, WA on November 3, 1956. Gary started Tacoma Concrete with his brother-in-law Don O'Neill and lifelong friend Sonny Schlanbusch. Together they built one of the largest concrete companies in Tacoma, with their last project being the Tacoma Dome. Gary retired from Tacoma Concrete at the age of 49. Gary loved the outdoors. In the summer months he would spend his time on his boat fishing for salmon on the Puget Sound and in the Chinook area. When not on his boat he could be found on the golf course or vacationing in Mazatlan with his family. He loved spending time with his family and would often say "I'm the luckiest guy in the world to have my whole family with me." Gary and Juanita would spend the winter months at their winter home in Green Valley, AZ, playing golf and spending time with good friends. Gary is survived by his wife of 54 years, Juanita, sister Genevieve O'Neill, brothers Murray and Dennis, daughters Nanette Stoltenberg and husband Jim, and Laurie Nuss and husband Gerry, son Patrick, grandchildren Robert Larson, Timothy Nuss, Jennifer and Scott Stoltenberg, Lindsey (Nuss) Fuetz and husband Andrew, Amy Ceccarelli (Martin) and husband Joe, Laura Martin, Maggie Martin, and Annie Martin, great-granddaughter Peyton Feutz, and numerous nieces and nephews. Viewing will be held at Dryer Mortuary in Parkland on Friday, May 20th, from 4pm - 8pm, and at Grace Lutheran Church on May 21st from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM. The service will be on Saturday, May 21st, 2011 at Grace Lutheran Church in Tacoma at 2:00 PM. A celebration of Gary's life will immediately follow the service. In his memory please make donations to the Lutheran World Relief or Grace Lutheran Church in Tacoma.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on May 18, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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May 25, 2011

I'll never forget the great fishing trips we had because Gary made them fun with his great sence of humor. Any time we were together, we were in for a laugh. Gary, your time on earth ended too soon. Harvey Faker

Nick Slead

May 21, 2011

I have always looked up to Gary and thought the world of the man. His character, and charisma were strong, and he was HILARIOUS! Having a bad day? Give that man a call for a second wind. He set an example of how to LIVE, and I will always remember, love, and miss him. I was lucky to know you Gary. Love ya man, take care of Juanita.

May 21, 2011

I miss my lifelong friend. He died too quick. Sonny Schlanbusch

Mary Bartels

May 20, 2011

I always enjoyed seeing Uncle Gary at family reunions. Once he offered me my choice of decaf or decaf coffee. I talked to him twice by phone last month while visiting my dad, his brother Murray. I will especially miss his pleasant voice.

Hannah Clemens Pelley

May 19, 2011

While I only saw Gary once a year at the Clemens Family reunions, I always really enjoyed catching up with him and experiencing his playful personality and sense of humor. He always had great perspectives on topics we discussed. He will certainly be missed by me, but I do find peace in truly believing he is in a better place than this physical earth.

May 19, 2011

My condolences to Juanita and the family. Stew Wegener

Dianna Wachtel

May 18, 2011

Bob and I will miss all those summer evenings on Gary and Jaunita's back porch watching the sunset and drinking red wine or "Gary-tinis." We've had years of great conversations, laughter, and most of all, a wonderful friendship with the best neighbors ever. Love you and miss you.

May 18, 2011

To JUANITA and family I am so sorry to read that GARY has passed on. GARY was always fun to be around never a dull moment a great friend to all that knew him. JACK BATY

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