Tony Martinez

Tony Martinez, 91, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Friday, March 25, 2022, at Ecumen Evergreens of Moorhead. Tony was born August 7, 1930 in Sabinal, TX, to Sylvestre and Isabel Martinez. At the young age of 20, he met and married Rosa Trevino, with whom he shared 40 plus years of marriage and raised 11 children. He was employed at Moorhead State University for many years, which created many lifelong friendships. Several years later, his love for horse led Tony to purchase a small hobby farm in Tower City, ND. He ran and lived on this farm for 20 years, until his failing health caused him to move back into Moorhead and eventually to Ecumen Evergreens. Tony was sort of a jack of all trades, he was a mechanic, welder, farmer, hunter, fisherman, painter and horse trainer, plus various other talents, his main one being his love for leatherwork. He shared many of his talents and traits with his children-as many of them are talented in their own rights. Everyone enjoyed his leather heirlooms, and many family members and friends have little bits of Tony’s handiwork on their keychains, mantels or wherever they choose to keep them.

Tony is survived by 12 of his children, Tony Jr., Mae (Oscar), Jesse (Connie), Alma (Rod), Harry (Becky), George (Kae), Mel (Dan), Jim, Bob (Lisa), Veronica (Kevin), Marivel, and Miguel (Cassandra); stepdaughter, Heather (Neil); 43 grandchildren, 63 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvestre and Isabel; three brothers, Butch, Edward and Paul; two sisters, Teresa, and Dora; son, Richard and most recently Rosa Martinez.

Visitation will be from Thursday, March 31, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m., in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead.

Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Moorhead.