Gerald Joseph Martin

Gerald “Jerry” Martin passed peacefully from this life on April 11, 2016. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Geraldine “Gerri” DeSalles Martin, two sons, Sean Martin (Kimberly), Jason (Polly), six grandchildren, Candice Seward (Adam), Avery Martin, Emma Martin, Shea Martin, Lily Martin, Chase Martin, one great-granddaughter, Charleston Seward, brothers Robert (Linda), Joseph, Kelly (Cindy) and sisters Ann (Rick) Thomas, Delores (Tom) Machado, Patricia and Katy. Jerry was born on June 27, 1949 in Modesto, California to Robert and Patricia Martin.

The fourth of thirteen children, Jerry attended Our Lady of Miracles School, and graduated from Hilmar High School in 1967. In 1968 he married his high school sweetheart, Geraldine DeSalles, and they have two sons, Sean and Jason. Jerry began working as a young man with his siblings at Marty’s Inn, owned by his father, Robert Martin and his uncle, George Martin. He had many Marty’s stories which he retold with fondness. In 1971, he began working for his father in law, Al De Salles as an AI Technician for Hilmar Sire Service, and would spend the following 40 years building a career in the dairy industry. In 1980 he purchased Hilmar Sire Service from his father in law, and continued to build a cattle A.I. Technician sales and service team that today consists of nearly 50 employees serving the entire state of California. Always the opportunist, in 1991, while still owning and operating Hilmar Sire Service, he started the cattle genetics company, Network Genetics. Operating as one of the few independent dairy cattle genetics companies in the U.S., Network Genetics began by marketing Jersey bulls from the bull syndicate, Jerseyland Sires, and continued to include a full line up of Holstein and Jersey bulls, sampling over 150 sires annually. In 2001, Jerry sold Network Genetics and maintained ownership of Hilmar Sire Service DBA Alta California, turning Alta California into one of the most successful, independently owned cattle reproductive service companies in California. In the midst of owning and operating Alta California, in 2011, he started an open check diagnosis lab for dairy cattle, Repro Results. He also found time to farm walnuts.

He managed 100 acres of walnuts and almonds until very recently. In 2015 he sold Alta California to Alta Genetics, and always working hard, continued to manage the company and farming until his last days. His hard work ethic, love for his family and friends, and his generosity towards all served him well throughout his life. Even in his waning days, he was a model of strong will and sheer determination right up until the end of his journey here on earth. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Pat Martin, siblings Timothy, Edward and Michael Martin, Maureen Spencer and Mary Beth Wilson. His family is grateful for all the support and prayers, and especially to those who provided a sense of humor, peace and tranquility during this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry’s honor to: Holy Rosary Building Fund, PO Box 429, Hilmar, California 95324 or Hilmar-Stevinson Youth Baseball, PO Box 1212 Hilmar, California 95324.

Services: Rosary - Tuesday, April 19th at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Church, 20263 American Ave., Hilmar, California Funeral Mass- Wednesday, April 20th at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church, 20263 American Ave., Hilmar, California.

Whitehurst, Norton & Dias Funeral Service, 286 W. Main St., Turlock, CA, is entrusted with all of the arrangements. (209)634-4904. www.dignitymemorial.com/whitehurst-norton-dias-funeral-service