Alan Gerard, “Lurch” Martin, 65 of Devils Lake passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022, at his home in the loving care of family.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. led by Reverend Mr. Ken Severinson, Deacon. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with the Very Reverend C.F. Wilhelm celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery at a later date.
In Cheezy Weezy’s last conversation with Lurch on Christmas Day night, he said “I don’t wanna see suits and ties! I wanna see friends and family wearing Casual clothes, Hockey Jerseys and Softball shirts. Just Be You!”
Alan Gerard Martin, son of L. Patrick and Marylu (Breyer) Martin was born on January 21, 1957, in Devils Lake ND. He attended St. Joseph Elementary School and graduated with the class of ‘75 from Central High School. He participated in chorus and band playing the Saxophone. Lurch loved softball, and was a stand-out hockey player, holding a goal setting record in Devils Lake for many years. He went on to school at Thief River Falls Northland Community College in MN playing collegiate hockey. When he came back to Devils Lake he continued his hockey career with the ‘old guys’ in town and later playing in the Old Timers league!
To tell the story of Lurch’s life requires a good sense of humor, many memorable “Lurch Quotes” with many words, paragraphs and chapters. If you know Lurch, you also know he wouldn’t want too much of that!
Lurch always believed in hard work. As an 8-year-old boy, he got a ticket for driving a grain truck on the family farm. In high school he worked at the Holiday Station and also went south as part of his Dads’ custom harvest crew. He loved Semi Trucks, always following work wherever it would lead him. He hauled poles for a power line company in Nebraska, dyke construction in the Lake Region, diesel mechanic in Arizona and Utah, oil fields in the Williston area and more. Lurch and Cindy once owned “Top O’ The Line Cheese Market” in Devils Lake. The late Bobby Gunderson gave Cindy her nickname “Cheezy Weezy”.
His soul mate, his sweetheart, Cynthia Marie Wiese was a part of his life for the past 28 years. They pledged love, devotion and faithfulness. 1st legally married on January 12th, 2004, by the Honorable Judge Donavon Foughty in Devils Lake. Then married a 2nd time, June 27th, 2006, by Reverend Father C.F. Wilhelm at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Lurch had many passions including his siblings, nieces and nephews, (Shih Tzu’s Stinky Winky and Chubby Checkers “Daddy loves you buckets and bunches”), kids (anyone’s kids), his dear friends and strangers. He would do anything in his power to help anyone in need. He was that great, fun uncle and had a nickname for everyone. Lurch was a man of few words with a special gift of visiting for hours.
For the past five years, Lurch and Cindy have again called Devils Lake home. Due to failing health he was forced to retire from the work force. In retirement, he welded angels for his wife’s Amazing Angel Art project. This brought him emotional healing for his physical health.
There aren’t enough words, and maybe not even the right words to summarize Lurch’s life. Lurch loved life. He treasured his family and friends, had a generous, caring heart, and always gave the credit to God.
Lurch is survived by his beloved wife Cindy; siblings Mary Margaret Martin, Jackson WY, Lisa Martin, Thief River Falls MN, Mark (Darla) Martin, Goodyear AZ, Brian Martin, Williston ND, Barry (Garnet) Martin, Devils Lake ND and Geralyn (Troy) Lang, Fargo ND; Cindy’s siblings; Pat (Susan), Tim (Pat), Mary (Jeff), Steve (Tracy), Theresa (Tom) and Chuck (Julie); “tons and tons” of cousins, nieces, and nephews; uncles and aunts Jerry and Judy Breyer, Grand Forks ND and Jack and Agnes Martin, Munich ND;
Preceded in death by his parents, Pat and Marylu Martin, brother Patrick “Rick” Martin, sister Captain Nannette Martin; in-laws Raymond Leo and Marie Olive (Ollie Coufal) Wiese brother-in-law Theodore “Ted” Wiese.
Pallbearers: Jacob Lang, Casey Martin, Patrick Martin and Jayce Lizakowski.Ushers: Joe, Roger, and John T. Mertens.Eucharistic Gift Bearers: Ashlyn Johnston, Payton Johnston, Chelsey Lizakowski, Cassidy Lizakowski, and Mackenzie Martin. Musicians: Sherry Kurtz, Tom Burckhard and Audrey Myklebust
