Martin William Boyer

Martin “Marty” W. Boyer, 65, of Wahpeton, passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at his home.

A time for visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at Evergreen United Methodist Church. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Mary Ann Bernard officiating. Services will be livestreamed and can be viewed on Marty’s obituary page at www.vertinmunson.com.

Marty was born on June 17, 1957, in Fargo, ND, to Darrel and Odelia (Kummer) Boyer, the youngest of five children. He grew up on the family farm north of Barney and attended school in Wyndmere where he played football, basketball, and was active in track. He graduated in 1975 from Wyndmere High School and then farmed with his family until the fall of 1988. While attending school, he met the love of his life, Debra Reese, and the two were wed on November 12, 1977. To their union they welcomed Tina in 1982 and Lisa in 1985.

The family moved to Apple Valley, MN, in 1988 so Marty could attend massage school at Northern Lights School of Massage Therapy in Dinkytown. After graduation, the family moved to Wahpeton and he began his 33-year long career as a massage therapist. Marty was very passionate, skillful and knowledgeable with his work. He was also the first licensed massage therapist in Wahpeton.

Marty loved old cars, motorcycles, going to car shows, and hanging out with his car buddies. He was a member of the United Methodist Church and was very active in his faith ministering on worship teams and lay speaking to area congregations. His faith in God was solid and strong and he took joy in sharing his faith.  While they were young, he and his two daughters would spend time at nursing homes singing songs of faith and playing guitar for the residents.

Marty was an outgoing, happy-go-lucky people person with a great sense of humor. He loved spending time with his family, old classmates, friends, neighbors, and grand furbabies. Many memories were made at the lake riding on the pontoon with his family and friends. He enjoyed taking photos of wildlife and people, and outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed going for walks, traveling to his winter home in Arizona, and watching and photographing Arizona sunsets.

Left to cherish Marty’s memory is his wife of 45 years, Debbie; his daughters, Tina (Dustin) Stredwick and Lisa (Mike) Butkiewicz; his father, Darrel Boyer; his siblings: Stuart (Patricia) Boyer, Shirley (Wayne) Nelson, and Mark (Kristie) Boyer; brother-in-law, Bill Starkjohn; his sister-in-law, Cindy (Steve) Strege; his brother-in-law, Billy Reese, Jr.; his sister-in-law Diane Reese; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Marty in death was his mother, Odelia; his sister, Connie Starkjohn; his parents-in-law, Bill, Sr. and Doris Reese; and his brother-in-law, Dave Reese.