Mass of Christian burial for Gerald Anton Martian, 81 of Mobridge will be 11:00 AM, Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mobridge. Visitation will be Monday, 2:00-5:30 at Kesling Funeral Home with a Prayer Service at 7:30 PM at the church. Burial will be Wednesday at 2:00 PM at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis. Mr. Martian passed away June 11, 2014 at St. Vincent's Nursing Home in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Gerald Anton Martian was born on September 18, 1932, at rural Glencross, S.D. He was the first born child of Jacob and Angeline (Keller) Martian.

Gerald grew up on the family farm and attended Spring Lake and Harding rural schools. He graduated from the 8th grade in 1947. He helped on the family farm until being drafted into the US Army in 1953. His basic training was at Fort Carson in Colorado, and he spent time in Korea during the Korean conflict. He was honorably discharge in 1955.

Gerald worked on the construction of the runways at Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City, helped with the Missouri River bridge project in 1957, and building the causeway near Pollock. From 1961-1963 he drove semi for Dave Unterseher.

In 1967 he purchased the Richard Rocklitz farm, which adjoined his parent's farm north of Glencross. In October of 1970 he married Donna Monroe at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mobridge. In February of 1973 they had their son, Randy. Together they farmed and ranched for 28 years. In 1998 they sold their farm and bought a home on the outskirts of Mobridge where he spent the remainder of his life.

Gerald was a quiet man with a strong work ethic. No job seemed to be too great for him. His family was his greatest joy, and his strong belief in God never faltered. He was a master at Sudoku and always enjoyed a good game of cards. He served as an usher at church for many years, and he was active in the Local AARP. He served on it's board for several years.

Gerald leaves behind his wife Donna of 43 years, one son, Randy (Julie) Martian and 5 grandchildren; Andrew, Matthew, Abby, Hannah and Thomas Martian all of Rapid City, SD. Also surviving are 4 brothers; Herbert (Shirley) Martian of Downey, California; Jerome Martian of Crafton, Nebraska; Larry (Dorothy) Martian of Whitewood, SD; and Leonard (Raetta) Martian of Bismarck, ND. Three sisters; Marcella (Don) Niles of Edgewood, Washington; Judy (Ervin) Zimmerman of Bismarck; and Charlotte (Marvin) Sandland of Lynden, Washington also survive him. Two sister-in-laws; Cheri Martian of Trail City and Mary Martian of LaMirada, California, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers; Edwin Martian and Richard Martian, one sister; Lorraine, who died in infancy, 3 brothers-in-laws and a sister-in-law.