George Arthur Martin

George A. Martin was born November 24, 1920, in Plainfield, New Jersey. As an infant he moved to Bismarck ND where he graduated from Bismarck High. He entered NDSU until he was called to serve in WWII, participating in the Battle of the Bulge, where his unit met up with the Russians at Torgau. George was a Captain in the 69th Infantry Division and was awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star. He was called back into service during the Korean War, where he spent his tour of duty in Germany.George graduated from UND in 1961 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. In 1947 the Martin Engineering Company was founded, building many miles of telephone, distribution and transmission lines. He retired in 1980 when his son, Jack, took over the business.George was very curious. "Something Hidden - - Go Find It". He was an intrepid traveler, visiting over 120 countries, traveling all 7 continents: Africa, Tibet, Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu, Antarctica, Great Wall of China, Trans-Siberian Railroad. He went on an around-the-world International Scavenger Hunt, covering 3 oceans, 4 continents and 12 countries. George's greatest achievement on these travels was climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. He was an avid photographer, never leaving home without his camera. He won many awards for his photography and loved sharing his travelogues.George was a member of the El Zagal Shrine, the El Zagal Motor Patrol, VFW, American Legion, Masons, and was Past Master of Ottertail Lodge #284. He was a recipient of the Hiram Award for exemplary service for promoting Masonry.George is survived by his wife, Mardy; two sons: Jack (Jane) Martin and Richard (Rachael) Gabe; three daughters: Paula Skaalrud, Julie Martin and Dorothea (Michael) Haugrud; six grandchildren; two great-grand children; brother Charles (Carol); and Tim Martin and Dapper Dan Thompson who were very special to him.Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 19, 2012, with a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m. at Larson Funeral Home, Pelican Rapids, MNService: Private Funeral Services will be held at a later date Interment: Lake View Cemetery, Pelican Rapids, MN.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Shrine Children's Hospital, the Pelican Rapids Library or the Otter Tail County Historical Society.George's favorite quote: "He was born with a gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad." ScaramoucheFuneral Home:Larson Funeral Home304 3rd Street S.E.Pelican Rapids, MNUS 56572