Martin “Marty” J. Pinkney

Martin J. Pinkney, 77, of Moorhead, MN, died Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at Rosewood on Broadway in Fargo, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley and surrounded by his family.

Martin was born on June 29, 1936 in Moorhead to Martin H. and Honora Pinkney. He attended Moorhead Campus School and enlisted in the Army, where he served in the Korean conflict. Upon his return to the States, he met the love of his life, Maralee Kjellin. They married on June 29, 1957 at St. Francis de Sales and made their home in Moorhead.

Marty spent many years working at Sweeney Cleaners in Fargo and was a master dry cleaner. In 1972 he purchased Skelly Oil bulk plant in Moorhead, where he and Maralee worked together until 1994 when his health forced an early retirement. Marty was an honest businessman and always treated others with compassion, quick to lend assistance to those in
need.

In 1972, as the result of a coin toss, Marty began his career as a civic servant in politics. He won the seat of councilman of the 4th Ward in Moorhead, which is now known as the 1st Ward. Always a staunch supporter of his community and determined to make Moorhead the best place to live, Marty spent the next 22 years serving the city of Moorhead and being a voice for its citizens. In his capacity as councilman, he served on many committees and projects, some of which were groundbreaking for their time – such as when the governor appointed him to the committee that brought the first cable television to the State of Minnesota. He was a man of simple values in his approach to life and this earned him many great relationships over the years.

Marty and Maralee spent the past 15 years wintering in Mesa, AZ where he quickly found new friends, projects and activities. He was the one who always made the chili for the community events they had, or the spaghetti for their fundraisers or the hot dogs for their yard sales. When in Mesa, he was a member of the St. George Catholic Church, where he sang in the choir. He was a lifelong member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Moorhead, where he sang in the choir and over the years served on many committees, fundraisers and events. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, golf and shuffleboard.

He is survived by Maralee and five children, Rita Kevin Rueckert, Moorhead; Mike Cindy Pinkney, Dilworth, Ann Tom Henne, Moorhead, Chris Sue Pinkney, Moorhead and Chuck Theresa Pinkney, Bradenton, FL; 16 grandchildren, Jessica Pinkney, MeLissa Kossick fiancé, Lucas Anderson, Nick Alexa Kossick, Josh Renee Pinkney, Troy Henne, Amber Rob Remark, Jenna Pinkney, Matt Cassie Rueckert, Amy Ryan Hallett, Sara Pinkney fiancé Laquone Robinson, K. Mark Rueckert II, Tina Pinkney, Anna Pinkney, Jordan Pinkney, Jacob Pinkney and Natalie Hegna; as well as 10 great-grandchildren with the 11th one due in July; a sister, Kathy Don Platt; sister-in-law, Luella Pinkney; sister-in-law, Bev Cliff Adams; sister-in-law, Delores Jim Sollin; brother-in-law, Duane Kjellin; sister-in-law, Donna Trupe, sister in law, Beth Curt Odegard and many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin H. and Honora Pinkney; brothers, Pat Pinkney, Don Pinkney and Tim Pinkney; and sister, Rita Pinkney.

Marty’s family is grateful for the staff at Rosewood on Broadway was well as Hospice of the Red River Valley for their tender care and compassion. Thank you for all the love and assistance he was given. He will be greatly missed by all who treasured and loved him.

Visitation: Sunday, June 22, 2014 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

Funeral: Monday, June 23, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN.

Interment: Monday, June 23, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery Columbarium, Moorhead, MN.