Martin David Pietz Sr

Martin David Pietz Sr obituary, Shelton, WA

Martin David Pietz Sr

Martin Pietz Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Forest Funeral Home and Cemetery - Olympia on Jul. 8, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Martin was born Maurice Dean Vetter on November 10, 1943, in Olympia, WA. The son of John Vetter and Irene Vetter (Pietz). When the marriage ended, Irene changed her son's name to Martin David Pietz.
Irene and Martin then went to live with her parents, Otto and Gertrude Pietz until 1955 when Irene married Stanley R. Anderson. Martin attended Washington Elementary school and graduated from Olympia High School in 1962. He then attended Pacific Lutheran University in 1962-63 before transferring to the University of Washington (UW). He graduated from UW in 1966 with a Bachelors of Business Admistration.
Upon graduating, Martin went to work for the Boeing Company, Aerospace Group in Seattle, WA. It was an exciting time, as this part of the company had a major role in early space exploration, mainly the lunar landing----the quote said by Neil Armstrong, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."
While working as a financial planner at Boeing, Martin enlisted in the Army's National Guard, attending basic training at Fort Bragg, NC and arsenal training at Fort Meade, Maryland.
In 1973 Martin left Seattle and was employed in Olympia at the Employment Security Dept. where he spent several years before transferring to the Highway Department/Department of Transportation. He held various positions ultimately becoming the Executive Director of Research until his retirement in 2000 with 30 years of service in the State of Washington.
Martin married Sandra Lee Alexander in 1975; they have two children (Martin David Jr. and Lauren Elizabeth Pietz). The marriage ended in 1984.
Marty remained a bachelor until he year 1998 when he and Julie Carrasco married after a seven-year courtship. They partnered in raising five teenagers and their seven grandchildren into adulthood in Lacey, WA.
They had a wonderful 32 years of life together surrounded by their kids. Marty took up sailing and golfing while Julie enjoyed doing extensive local community, civic and church activities. They had many years of wonderful celebrations together.
After the children were out of the home, they traveled extensively and enjoyed their later years at home beautifying their yard and home through various remodeling projecs prior to Marty's heart disease diagnoses.
They cherished time with their beautiful, blended family. Son David Pietz Jr., Daughter and Son-in-Law Lauren and KL Wombacher and granddaughter Madison; Son-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law Joe and Brenda and granddaughters Jessica and Morgan Villarreal; Daughter-in-Law and Son-in-Law Julee and Jeff Turpin and grandson Tyler McCoy; Son-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law Michael and Lani and grandson and granddaughter-in-law Alex and Jasmine Villareal, granddaughters Samantha Short and Victoria Villareal. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Martin, please visit our Tree Store.

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

How to support Martin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Martin Pietz's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Martin Pietz's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?