Martin Schmaltz, 80, Dickinson, ND, died Thursday, January 3, 2008 at St. Joseph’s Hospital & Health Center, Dickinson. Martin’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Monday, January 7, 2008 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Dennis Schafer as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery with military honors provided by the Veterans Drill Team following the mass. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson. There will be a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m., Sunday at Ladbury Funeral Service.
Martin Schmaltz was born November 11, 1927 on the family farm in Dunn County near Fayette, ND, the son of George M. and Magdelina (Emmil) Schmaltz. He was raised in the Fayette area prior to entering the United States Army. Martin served in the Army from April 4, 1951 to his honorable discharge on March 21, 1953. Following this time in the service he returned to North Dakota settling in Dickinson.
Martin married Georgia Karsky Kostelecky on July 17, 1954 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and together they made their home in Dickinson where they raised their family. Martin had worked as a printer with the Dickinson Press, a salesman/parts man for Decker Implement and Mann’s Automotive prior to driving the bus for the public school system.
Martin belonged to the Knights of Columbus, the St. Anthony and Elks clubs, and was active in his church activities. He enjoyed being a musician in the band, his gardening and yard work, and watching baseball especially the Twins.
Martin is survived by his wife, Georgia; their seven children, Rosanne (special friend Dominick Weisgerber) Kostelecky, Phoenix, AZ, Diane (Ron) Knaup, Minot, ND, Deborah (Greg) Luptak, Bismarck, ND, Thomas Schmaltz, Eagan, MN, Janel (Alvin) Kuntz, Dickinson, Jacqueline (Mark) Houn, Grand Rapids, MI, and Lisa (Colin) Guenther, Bismarck; 11 grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; and three siblings, Edward (Angie) Schmalz, Denver, CO, Adeline Mackris, Portland, OR, and Theresa (Edward) Hollinger, Bowman, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, DuWayne; seven brothers; and two sisters.
