Obituary of Richard A. Marty

Age 88, of St. Paul, passed away on Friday, March 25, 2021. He died peacefully in the home of his son and daughter-in-law in Inver Grove Heights, where he was lovingly and selflessly cared for these past 7 years. Richard was born on December 6, 1933 to Marie (Grimsrud) and Albert Marty in St. Paul, Minnesota. He grew up on West 7th Street shining shoes, playing football and hockey, and taking care of his grandmother every night after school. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1952. He was inducted into the Army on February 23, 1954 and proudly served in Guam and Japan. After returning from the service Richard began his career with the St. Paul Plumbers Local 34 working for Axel Newman Plumbing and Heating Co. - which later became NewMech Companies- until retiring. He was meticulous in his work, and we are certain he could tell us about every job he worked on, every piece of pipe he laid and every sleeve he set without missing one. At a campfire gathering in 1957 he became reacquainted with High School classmate Audrey Kruger; they fell in love and were married on January 10,1958 at St. Paul Cathedral and went on to have three children. They were lifelong partners until Audrey's death in 2011. Richard missed her dearly these past 10 years. Richard was a force of nature, working hard to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was proud of his three children: Michelle's academic achievements and adventurous spirit, Rick's talents in sports and then following his footsteps into plumbing moving into a successful career as a project estimator, and of Valerie's happy-go lucky spirit - then finding her niche in chemistry and as an engineer. Anyone who knew Richard knew that he cared tremendously for his family. Richard was predeceased by his wife, Audrey, both of his parents, his sister Florence and brother Harold and Audrey's three sisters: Betty Carole and just last month, Darlene. He is survived by his three children, Michelle Marty Kelly, Richard Marty, Jr. (Judy), and Valerie Marty (Jim) in Corvallis Oregon; his cherished grandchildren: Nicole, Christine, Erin and Sean; one great grandchild; nieces and nephews and many grandnieces and grandnephews. He lived a good life and loved his family well. He taught us the value of always being our best, giving our best and caring for others and that doing the right thing is always the best thing to do… and he taught it the best way – by example. Things were not always easy, but we knew that no matter what, he would always be there for us. Always. Say hi to Mom for us, Dad. From your children: You were always our knight in shining armor… no matter what. Be at peace, rest easy and enjoy this next leg of your journey. From your grandchildren: We know you will be led in by the angels and you can dance in the starry rain with your cool purple suede shoes on with no more pain, regret, nor worry. We will all love and miss you so very much. A special thank you to Dad's hospice caregivers who indeed, were heaven-sent. Instead of flowers, we think Dad would appreciate you giving your children a hug, planting a tree in a special spot of your choosing in his name, or by making a donation to your own favorite cause. For friends and family who would like to pay their final respects, a viewing will be at Willwerscheid West-Heights Chapel on 235 Wentworth Avenue in West. St. Paul, MN 55118, ph.# 651-447-5763 from Thursday, April 1 from 12:00 noon until 1:00pm. A service and military send-off follows at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 1:30pm. Meet at Assembly area #4. For friends and family who would like to pay their final respects, a viewing will be at Willwerscheid West-Heights Chapel on 235 Wentworth Avenue in West. St. Paul, MN 55118, ph.# 651-447-5763 from Thursday, April 1 from 12:00 noon until 1:00pm. A service and military send-off follows at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 1:30pm. Meet at Assembly area #4.