Andrew James Martinez

Andrew James Martinez, 35, of Mapleton, North Dakota, passed away August 1, 2022, in Mapleton.

Andrew was born November 4, 1986, to James Martinez and Nancy Hagen in Fargo, North Dakota. He graduated from Fargo South High School in 2005. He served his country in the Army National Guard and Reserves. He was honorably discharged in 2013.

After a romantic proposal under the Concordia College Bell Tower, he married Aimee Smith in 2011 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fargo, and the couple made the Fargo area their home. Their wedding was one of the rare events where Andrew was NOT sporting jeans, but he was wearing his hat.

Andrew was generous to everyone. He always seemed to have a smile and a quick joke. He was devoted to his family and deeply loved those around him. And that love extended to those in need. When he saw someone who could use help, he was compelled to provide all the help and care he could. In addition to raising their three beautiful boys, Andrew and Aimee opened their home and their hearts to foster children during their time together and adopted two children.

Andrew could talk to anybody, carrying on a conversation with anyone. He was always working to connect people and bring them together.

Andrew loved working with his hands — working in construction and in auto body and service shops, while also doing projects around the house. From an early age, he was always building something, and it was amazing what he could create from nothing.

He could be seen riding his beloved motorcycle around town, proudly sporting cowboy boots and Harley-Davidson gear.

His love for the outdoors included hunting large and small game. He taught his boys archery and how to ride a longboard. The girls used him as an everywhere play gym. Andrew was truly a hands-on parent. In all things, he was so proud of his children.

Andrew is survived by his parents, James and Nancy; wife, Aimee; 3 sons, 2 daughters; siblings, Noreen (Tim) Welch, Jacob Gable, Kajsa (Nate) Lund, Anthony Martinez, Cameron Martinez, Amelia (Mark) Indvik, and Julia Bakken; stepmother Becky Klug; many, many nieces and nephews; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his grandma Darla Hagen.

Andrew was preceded by grandparents, Virgil Hagen, TonyMartinez Sr., and Rosa Martinez; and his uncle Rick Martinez.

A memorial gathering will be held from 6 to 7 P.M., followed by the prayer service at 7 P.M., Saturday, August 6, 2022, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND.