Lonnie T. Martinmaas, 58, of Orient, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2016 at the Faulkton Area Medical Center. He may have gone home to be with the Lord, but was a hero, saving the life of his brother, Rick.
Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00p.m., Thursday, August 4, 2016 at Luce Funeral Home, Faulkton.
Funeral Mass will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 8, 2016 at St. Liborius Catholic Church, Polo, with Fr. Christopher Hughes, Fr. Chester Murtha and Fr. Thomas Clement con celebrating. Burial to follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Polo. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, August 7, 2016 at the church, with visitation one-hour prior.
On December 18, 1957, William and Wanelda Coletta (Miller) Martinmaas welcomed Leon Thomas into the family at Faulkton. Over the years he has become known to many as: Lonnie, Lon, Sweet Lou, or Big Lou. He attended school in St. Liborius, where he was active in football, and basketball, graduating in 1976. He went on to Southern State Vocational School in Springfield, SD, receiving his degree in diesel mechanics.
Lonnie returned to the farm, devoting all of himself and time to the cattle he loved. He was the president of Martinmaas Dairy Inc. and Martinmaas Realty Inc.
To know Lon was to love Lon. He worked hard and he played hard. Everyone knew him for his great one-liners and him always making time to visit. Lon was every niece and nephew’s favorite uncle. His kind, gentle ways won over every child’s heart. Lon loved all sports in his younger years. In recent days you might find him shooting a game of pool, tossing a few bean bags or throwing a game of darts, and of course hunting with his good friends.
Lon was a die-hard “Jets” and “Mets” fan. He truly was that person who cheered for the underdog. Lon was a selfless man, who would give the shirt off his back to help anyone. With saddened hearts, the family says good-bye to their gentle giant. They will miss his smile and infectious laugh. Sweet Lou, “you’re the best!”
Lonnie’s life will be remembered by his father, William Martinmaas, Orient; his siblings: Ray (Becky) Martinmaas, Orient, Randy (Jan) Martinmaas, Orient, Sandy (Larry) Aesoph, Highmore, Kathy (Gary) Remmers, Orient, Paulette (Charlie) Applehof, Kranzburg, Rick (Patty) Martinmaas, Orient, Lori (Mike) Kalkman, Miranda, Julie (Rod) Spartz, Kranzburg, Mike (Laura) Martinmaas, Orient, Mary Lynn (Tom) Lesselyoung, Redfield, Brad (Shelly) Martinmaas, Orient; his godparents, Tom Loomer and Cele Loomer and his nieces and nephews.
He will be welcomed into heaven by his loving mother, Wanelda Martinmaas; sister-in-law, Janet Martinmaas; nieces: Patricia Kalkman, Kelly Aesoph and Wanelda “Little Nel” Aesoph; one nephew, Jason Aesoph; and one great nephew, Alex Christensen.
In lieu of flowers, memorial are directed to the Faulkton Area Medical Center Foundation, PO Box 100, Faulkton, SD 57438.
Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Lonnie’s arrangements.
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----- USA Softball of South Dakota State Commissioner |
