Gerald Martin Obituary - Minneapolis, Minnesota | Gill Brothers Minneapolis Funeral Home
Gill Brothers Funeral Service & Cremation


Bom-Wrapper

Gerald Martin
In Memory of
Gerald Loren
Martin
1937 - 2018
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Gill Brothers Minneapolis Funeral Home
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
View full message >>>

Obituary for Gerald Loren Martin

Gerald Loren  Martin
Gerald Martin “Gerry” February 15, 1937 – July 10, 2018
It is with great sadness that the family of Gerry Martin announces the death of their husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Gerry was born in Sioux City, Iowa in 1937. Preceded in death by his parents, Abner Martin and Grace Martin (Nelson) and his brother, William (Bill) Martin. Gerry was survived by his wife, Sandra Martin and his two children, Erica Austrums (husband Tim) and Christine BenMeir (husband Gadi), his six grandchildren, Emily Austrums, Jonathan BenMeir, Abigail BenMeir, Elizabeth Austrums, Elianna Austrums, and Michael BenMeir; sister-in-law, Patricia Martin and many nieces and nephews.

Gerry grew up in Bellevue, Nebraska. He attended the University of Missouri graduating with a BSc in Engineering and a B.A. in Mathematics in 1959. He obtained his MBA from Stern School of Business at New York University in 1973.

He worked for the Trane Company, Westinghouse, International and McQuay Perfex. He traveled the world while working for these companies. He lived in Paris, France for two years from March of 1969 until February of 1971 with his wife, Sandra and daughter, Erica. His many travels included visits to Russia and Yugoslavia during the height of the Cold War, Ghana, Nigeria several countries of the Congo, the Far East, and nearly all of the countries of Europe. He also traveled to several countries in South America.

Gerry, his wife and two children, moved to Minneapolis in 1975. During his professional career, he was an active member of ASHRAE, and did research in his profession with the University of Minnesota and National Science foundation grants.

Gerry was loved and respected by his family, friends, colleagues and ultimately his caregivers. He was outwardly focused, loved life, travel, adventure, and above all, the Lord, his family and friends. He was generous with his time and resources, wanting to help others who were less fortunate. He also had a very strong faith, strong work ethic and belief in The American Dream.

When Gerry reached his 60’s, and with fewer business commitments, he enjoyed spending much time with his family – and especially his grandchildren. Locally, he was readily available to take his grandchildren places, to lend a hand, participate in games and play with his grandkids, and attend their concerts and recreational sports activities. He enjoyed spending time at a joint family cabin on Lake Ida which became his second home.

He also enjoyed travelling with Sandra to new destinations, and always found a way to connect his trips to visit his family in Israel. In the course of 15 years, he visited at least once a year where he relished the culture, history, food, landscape and people of Israel and was always looking forward to his next trip. He had a fond love for Israel, his Israeli family and Israeli grandchildren.

He died at the age of 81 having been married to Sandra for 51 years. His entire family feels blessed to have had Gerry with us for so long and will cherish our memories with him. God bless you Gerry, Dad, and Papa.

Services will be at the Gill Brothers Funeral Home 5801 Lyndale Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55419. Visitation Friday, July 13, 2018 4-7 PM and Memorial Services Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 2 pm. Please send any donations in his memory to the Mayo Clinic for Alzheimer’s Research or to a charity of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerald Loren Martin, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Order Flowers
Share by: