Martin Riedlinger, 92, of Troy

Martin S. Riedlinger, 92, of Troy passed away May 14, 2014, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby.

Martin was born in Troy on May 3, 1922, to Jack and Avie Riedlinger, and lived his entire life in the Troy and Yaak areas. He attended schools both in the Yaak and Troy before serving in the Army.

On Nov. 2, 1941, he married JoAn Rae Chapel. Martin worked at many logging jobs before he and JoAn created Riedlinger Logging, an independent contractor business they operated for decades. For a brief time, they also owned the Home Bar in Troy.

After retiring from the timber business in the mid-1990’s, Martin formed a sand and gravel business, operating a state-licensed gravel pit on private land located in the Yaak. He worked his gravel and hauling activities up until his passing.

Martin had a deep love for the outdoors and spent as much time as possible hunting, fishing, and just being in the woods. As a young man, he spent winters working trap-lines to make ends meet. His strong heart and lungs carried him places where most could not keep up and served him to the end.

Martin valued the time spent with his close family and could be heard many times both bragging to and bragging about his family. Everyone at some time experienced the fun of camping out with a fish fry in one of the many places he treasured in the Yaak. Never one to mince words, Martin could engage and interact with anyone, whether strangers or lifelong friends and family. His nearly century-long memories of growing up in the Yaak and Troy were shared with many. Volunteer participation was another form of enjoyment.  He wanted to help, and “leave his mark.”

His mother and father preceded Martin in death. Survivors include JoAn, his wife of more than 72 years; daughters Bonnie (Clayton Price), Troy, and Donna (Larry Nelson), Monroe, Wash.; son Dennis (Karen), Troy; the twins, Darla (Tim Lindsey), Houston, Texas; and Carla (Jim Bombino), Beaverton, Ore. He is also survived by his brother Ernie, Hermiston, Ore.; sisters Jeanine and Carole, Phoenix, Ariz.; and brother David, Berrien Springs, Mich.; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws and others.  

Martin had many good friends who, along with the family, will cherish fine memories and appreciate the impact he had on their lives.

Funeral services were May 19, 2014, at the Troy Church of God. Visitation was May 18 at Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby. Interment will be conducted at the Troy Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Wings in Martin’s memory at First Montana Bank in Troy.