Ronald Martin

Ron Martin, 72, Fargo, ND passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026 at Sanford Health on Broadway in Fargo.

Ronald Irvin Martin was born May 10, 1954 in Valley City, ND to Vernon and Bernice (Kalland) Martin. He graduated from high school there and continued his education at Valley City State College where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Business.

Ron married Barbara Johnson on February 21, 1976 in Valley City. They lived in Thief River Falls, MN for 10 years where he started his 50 plus year career with Midwest Motor Express (MME). Ron and Barb welcomed their four daughters while there. In 1987, they moved to Fargo where Ron served as Terminal Manager, District Manager and later VP of MME Global Logistics. He was also a Licensed US Customs Broker for 32 years.  Although retiring from a full-time position in the summer of 2024, he remained on as a consultant for MME.

While in Thief River Falls, he served as President of the Chamber of Commerce and was elected to the School Board. He was a lifetime member of the Lions Club, and also served as secretary/treasurer of the ND Military Vehicle Collectors Association. He loved WWII history and treasured his restored military Jeep which he drove in many parades over the years. Ron was also active in local politics and was not afraid to share his opinion. He was known to write letters to politicians and to newspaper editorial pages.

Most of all, Ron was a family man, full of one liners and jokes. He treasured time with the grandkids and granddogs and going to the family lake cabin. Ron was well known for his unique Christmas light displays.  He enjoyed watching pheasants and hunting in his younger days.

Ron is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barb; four daughters, Jennifer (Neal) Roach of Florida, Lisa (Darren) McLaughlin of Alaska, Nancy (Ryan) Daly of Fargo and Kelsie Martin of West Fargo; 8 grandchildren, Paige and Austin Roach, Anya and Asher McLaughlin, Aiden and Olivia Daly, Zoe and Maddie Rae Lechner; siblings, Jerry (Suzi) Martin, Carol Soules, Joe (Renee) Martin and Jean (Bob) Broad; several nieces and nephews; aunts, Joanne Goplen and Ardis Martin; and mother-in-law, Marian Franklin; and brothers in law. Brian Franklin and Brad Franklin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard “Rick” Martin; brother-in-law, Gary Soules; and sister in law Kathy Johnson.

"Run Wild, Run Free"

Funeral: Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 11 AM at Hope Lutheran Church – North Campus, Fargo with visitation one hour prior.

Burial: Hillside Cemetery, Valley City (Thursday, 9/10 - 3:30 p.m.)

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald Martin, please visit our floral store.