Marty was my closest friend growing up. Our friendship goes back to the summer of 1962, third grade at Annie Talent. Any mischief I ever got into, Marty was right by my side, if not leading the way. Marty was always the idea guy. It didn't matter if it was a new toboggan route down the hill across from South Junior High, or sky diveing at the Sturgis airport. It was usualy Marty's idea, but for some reason, I always had to go first.
Marty was an extremly talented fabricator. He built many different types of trailers, from car haulers to dump trailers. He was a self taught welder and could build anything he set his mind to. Marty worked 60 hrs a week for UPS for 33 yrs. Tragically, Marty was killed in a car accident six months before he was set to retire, and only 2 wks after his recent marriage to Cindy.
I believe that best friends, life long friends, are a gift from God. Most of us have been Blessed with this gift. But going by the number of classmates who have passed away, most of us have also suffered their loss. This is why our class reunion means so much to me. Not only do we have a chance to get re-aquainted with old friends, but also celebrate our friends that are no longer with us.
Marty and I were friends for 45 years. He has been gone now for 14. I still miss my friend
Such a moving tribute from Dan W. I think it speaks for many of us. A flood of childhood, adolescent and adult memories come back. I so remember Marty from junior high and high school.
I had a huge crush on Marty in Junior high.He was so fun and definetely an instigator of good times. Having left Rapid City there were so many of my good friends that I lost contact with but I always came back and after we bought the ranch in Hermosa with my my brother and parents, I was back even more. One day out working in the garden, the UPS truck pulled into the yard. I looked up and there was Marty.! I was thrilled afer all these years to see him. We chatted for awhile but he had to get on with his route. What a gift to to have been able to see an old friend.
Dan Wiedrich
Marty was my closest friend growing up. Our friendship goes back to the summer of 1962, third grade at Annie Talent. Any mischief I ever got into, Marty was right by my side, if not leading the way. Marty was always the idea guy. It didn't matter if it was a new toboggan route down the hill across from South Junior High, or sky diveing at the Sturgis airport. It was usualy Marty's idea, but for some reason, I always had to go first.
Marty was an extremly talented fabricator. He built many different types of trailers, from car haulers to dump trailers. He was a self taught welder and could build anything he set his mind to. Marty worked 60 hrs a week for UPS for 33 yrs. Tragically, Marty was killed in a car accident six months before he was set to retire, and only 2 wks after his recent marriage to Cindy.
I believe that best friends, life long friends, are a gift from God. Most of us have been Blessed with this gift. But going by the number of classmates who have passed away, most of us have also suffered their loss. This is why our class reunion means so much to me. Not only do we have a chance to get re-aquainted with old friends, but also celebrate our friends that are no longer with us.
Marty and I were friends for 45 years. He has been gone now for 14. I still miss my friend
Mary Jane Wolfe (Carroll)
Such a moving tribute from Dan W. I think it speaks for many of us. A flood of childhood, adolescent and adult memories come back. I so remember Marty from junior high and high school.
Holly Surring (Bennett)
I had a huge crush on Marty in Junior high.He was so fun and definetely an instigator of good times. Having left Rapid City there were so many of my good friends that I lost contact with but I always came back and after we bought the ranch in Hermosa with my my brother and parents, I was back even more. One day out working in the garden, the UPS truck pulled into the yard. I looked up and there was Marty.! I was thrilled afer all these years to see him. We chatted for awhile but he had to get on with his route. What a gift to to have been able to see an old friend.