August 22, 1948 ~ March 24, 2020 (age 71)
There will be a private memorial service for Tom Marty, of Chokio, Minnesota, with Deb Hadley officiating. A private burial will take place at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Chokio. Celebrant for the graveside service will be Father John Paul Knopik. A Celebration of Life Service for Tom will take place at a later date.
To protect the health and safety of all, services are currently being limited as required by state and local authorities and the CDC. Expressions of sympathy during this time can be left on the condolences page available with the obituary on our website. We also encourage you to view the video tribute that will be available. Check the funeral home website for the latest COVID-19 update.
Thomas Gene Marty, son of Chester and Lorraine (Anderson) Marty was born on August 22, 1948 in Graceville, Minnesota. He grew up and attended school in Chokio, Minnesota, graduating from Chokio High School in 1966. Tom then began farming with his father. Marty’s Spraying Service was established in 1969, serving the area with crop dusting needs for 31 years. In 1976, Tom formed a partnership with his brothers, farming and raising hogs; engaging in the farm operation until his retirement in 2013.
Tom was united in marriage to Deanne Knouse on September 25, 1971 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chokio. Through this union two children were born, Chad and Tricia. Tom and Deanne enjoyed winters in Mesa, Arizona, golfing at Graceville Golf Club in the summers, and spending family time at their cabin on Big Stone Lake.
Tom was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church for 71 years. He also served on several local boards including: Chokio Co-op, Chokio Equity, New Horizons, and St. Mary’s Cemetery Board. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, taking many fishing trips to the Missouri River, Devils Lake, and Lake Winnibigoshish; and taking hunting trips to Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana hunting elk. Tom also enjoyed ice fishing on Big Stone lake. He was a member of the Chokio Sportsman Club for many years.
Tom died on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by family at the Courage Cottage in Morris, Minnesota. He was 71 years old.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years: Deanne, Chokio; two children: Chad (Kari) Marty, Chokio, and Tricia (Jamie) Rohloff, Morris; seven grandchildren: Trent Marty, Jackson Rohloff, Bailey Marty, Brady Rohloff, Brianna Marty, Chase Marty, and Max Rohloff; two brothers: Allen (Kathie) Marty and Keith (Maria) Marty, all of Chokio; four sisters: Sandy (Bob) Burtness, St. Cloud, MN, Jan (Wayne) Nelson, Thief River Falls, MN, Renee Marty, Tempe, AZ, and Marcia (Gertjan) van Mechelen, Houston, TX; and one brother-in-law: Jerry Lindor, Morris. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters: Gail Lindor and Karen Marty.
In Lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials are given in Tom’s name to the Courage Cottage, Morris, MN, The American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice. Pedersen Funeral Home is in care of the funeral arrangements.