Douglas Lyle Martz passed away the morning of January 8th, 2025, in his home. He was born on September 2nd, 1934, to Mattie and Lester Martz in Livingston, Montana. Doug loved Montana and was a great storyteller and had many tales about growing up in Livingston. As a child and throughout his life he loved bait fishing. He was very proud to be a Montanan. He had the gift of gab and loved to encourage people, especially when they were down and out.
Doug entered the Air Force when he was 17 yrs old. He received electrical training and became a lineman installing communication equipment behind enemy lines. His military service included being in Okinawa during the Korean war. While stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming as a Drill Sargent at 21 years of age, he met his future wife Donna Newman on a blind date. During that first date, Doug told her that he was going to marry her, and she laughed. Donna lived on a farm near Erie, Colorado. During courtship one of the qualities that attracted Donna to Doug was that he really liked children. About a year later, they were married in Longmont, Colorado on February 15, 1957. Faith in the Lord was a foundation and cornerstone in their marriage. Doug was a devoted member of the WELS Lutheran Church.
When he left the service, he worked for Western Electric. He and Donna lived in various towns. Neighborhood children would come to the door asking Donna if Doug could come out to play. Doug longed to move back to Livingston. He obtained a job at the Northern Pacific Railroad in Livingston. Their first child, Lynne, was born in August 1960, followed by Steve in May 1962 and Scott in October 1965. Doug would take on extra jobs like delivering milk or cleaning Safeway on the weekends, allowing Lynne and Steve to ride the floor buffer.
Doug’s longest work history was working as an electrician in the Federal Civil Service at Malmstrom Air Force based in Great Falls, Montana, serving missile sites. He traveled all over Montana soaking in Montana’s landscapes and learning more Montana history. He also traveled with his sons on his “time off” throughout Montana to his favorite fishing holes from Helena to Livingston.
Upon retirement in 1997, he started to paint landscapes. This shocked the family because he had never painted before and he seemed quite good at it. During his retirement years he painted many scenic Montana landscapes and wildlife. He made lots of copies of his paintings and gave many away labeling them “Some place in Montana.”
Doug was a wonderful grandfather. All the grandchildren have memories of things like riding the city bus to Jack’s Pet Shop, going to Gibson Park to feed the ducks and having Green Rivers at Snyders Drug in Great Falls.
Doug is survived by his spouse Donna Martz – Helena MT; Adult Children Lynne Coon (Dave) – Helena MT, Steve Martz (Maria) – Parker CO, and Scott Martz (Heidi)- Helena MT; Grandchildren Breanna Martz – Parker CO, Mikayla Florian – Parker CO, Andrew Martz – Aurora, IL, Rachel Martz – Helena MT, Jeremiah Coon – Helena MT, Levi Coon – Helena MT, Austin Coon – Helena MT, Adam Martz – Irving TX, and Desirae Martz – Fort Collins CO.
He is preceded in death by father, Lester Martz, mother, Mattie (Stifter) Snow, older brother, Denny Martz, younger sister, Lois (Martz-Buell) Bateman, niece, Debbie Martz, nephews, Tim Martz, Tom Martz, Craig Buell and Carl Buell
In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be given in Doug’s name to Valley View Lutheran, 3000 N. Benton Ave. Helena, MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:30am
Tuesday January 14, 2025
Valley View Lutheran Church
3000 N Benton Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Graveside Service
12:00pm
Tuesday January 14, 2025
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, MT 59636
Funeral Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Tuesday January 14, 2025
Valley View Lutheran Church
3000 N Benton Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:30am
Tuesday January 14, 2025
Valley View Lutheran Church
3000 N Benton Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Graveside Service
12:00pm
Tuesday January 14, 2025
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, MT 59636
Funeral Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Tuesday January 14, 2025
Valley View Lutheran Church
3000 N Benton Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
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Joey Carter says
Donna & family – to the BEST neighbors ever! Doug will be missed by all of us, he was always so willing to help or chat or scratch our dog’s head! He was a great man and we enjoyed our time next door to you both. Our family sends our love & sympathy to yours – Tony, Joey, Deon & Bree Carter.
Norma Engel says
Martz family – your family made our time in Great Falls one of the best. From our first day until today – you were there for us. Members in Great Falls were our family for nine plus years and the Martz family was there for us from taking our children so they didn’t have to go to church with us every Sunday – after having been to church earlier in the day – as did several other families. Montana will always be special for us and especially members like the Martz family – we felt like family. May the Lord be with you as you mourn the loss of Doug. Your family was so special to us – our prayers are with you. – Pastor John and Norma Engel
Richard and Dianne Klinski says
Richard and I always loved visiting with Doug at church. He gave us 2 of his paintings which we are very honored to have. He had such good stories to tell and we could have sat for hours listening to him. I really enjoyed talking to him about my Jeep. He loved my cowboy boots and gave them a nickname. I think of him when I wear those boots and that memory makes me happy. What a precious soul, always there with a word to make somebody smile and the way his face would light up when they did. He was a true blessing and his memory brings us a smile. Our sincerest condolences to the Martz family, Doug and Donna raised a family to be very proud of.
Ann Leinweber says
Donna thank you for all this information. We always enjoyed with you at our reunions. You were always so happy to visit with. Richard always treasured your company. Our kids enjoyed jumping on the trampolene.I am grateful for the family histories which you sent to me. I read them each year. Please keep in touch. Ann