Richard Martel

Richard “Rick” L. Martel, 82, Bismarck, passed away December 31, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 7 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 106 Osage Ave, Bismarck, with Pastor Bob Caranicas officiating. A livestream of the memorial service will be available on the church's YouTube, listed here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCigniVHcO26MNkLk4KvcNyw 

Burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. 

Rick was born June 18, 1942, in Jamestown, the son of Ernest and Mary (Hins) Martel. He was one of nine children. He graduated from Medina High School in 1961. On December 26, 1965, he married Patty Presser. 

Rick enlisted in the United States Army in 1963 and served for 28 years, 18 of which were active duty, retiring as a Master Sergeant. He earned a number of Honors for his service, including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service, and multiple Army Commendation medals. Rick was a devoted soldier and loved serving his country. His life was devoted to serving others, including working with FEMA for several years.

He is survived by three children, Terry (Shelly) Martel, Eric (Lisa) Martel, and Stacey (Mark) Hakanson; three siblings, Dorothy, Marvin (Donna), and Linda (Dean); his special niece, Joey; seven grandchildren, Ciara (Tyler), Jake, Alexa (Michael), Tate, Johnathan (Tana), Jesston, Jaron (Hannah); 11 great-grandchildren, Landry, Rafe, Scout, Beau, Kennedie, Jax, Harper, Josie, Oaklynn, Wrenley, and Sienna; his very good friends, Chuck McIlwain “Col Mac” and Willy Heinrich; and many other special nieces, nephews, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Mary, wife Patty, his brother Harold, and sisters Rosie, Jackie, Ruth, and Delores. 

Rick was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who cherished spending time with his family and friends. Those close to him looked forward to reading about how everyone was doing and who filled their deer tags in his annual Christmas letters. 

His garage was always open for a “beer and a bump” and a place where people would gather to hear stories and jokes. Rick loved the outdoors, going on hunting and fishing trips, farming, and was an avid gun and coin collector. 

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be sent to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery or donations to the North Dakota Military Museum (Please note that donating online to either foundation will have a processing fee. If you want the full amount of the memorial to go to the organization, considering downloading their mail-in form found on each of their websites. Fill the form out, attach memorial, and mail it to the organization). The family also suggests in lieu of flowers, memorial trees may be planted in Rick's honor.