Godfred "Leroy" Martin

Leroy was born on January 21, 1934, in Worland, Wyoming, to Godfred Martin Jr. and Rachel (Fabrizius) Martin. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church and grew up on the family farm near Johnstown, Colorado, where he developed the strong work ethic that remained with him throughout his life.

On November 23, 1952, Leroy married the love of his life, Frieda Ross, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Together they built a life rooted in hard work, devotion and family.

Leroy began his working life on the family farm before relocating with his young family to Longmont, Colorado. This is where he began his machinist career for Great Western Sugar Company. After years of hard work, he followed his entrepreneurial spirit and opened GL Martin Welding and Machine in Greeley, Colorado. He took great pride in his work and operated his business until retiring in 2009.

Those who knew Leroy knew he had a spirited personality and never hesitated to speak his mind. He loved working in his yard and tending his garden, often humming to himself while he worked. He took pride in growing vegetables and flowers that reflected the care he put into everything he did. He enjoyed sharing his vegetable harvest with family, friends, and neighbors. Leroy also enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, camping, and polka dancing. He was a long-time member of the Moose Club.

Leroy is survived by his son, Randy Martin of Sterling, Colorado; his daughter, Bonnie Rankin (Dusty Schneider) of Fort Collins, Colorado; five grandchildren, Geof Rankin (Stephanie) of Cedar Park, Texas, Shanna Depperschmidt of Loveland, Colorado, Alisha Shultz (Bo) of Greeley, Colorado, Nick Martin of Sterling, Colorado, and Vanessa Martin of Sterling, Colorado; eight great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Frieda Martin; his sisters, Dorothy Wertz and Rose Miller; and his brothers, William Martin, Harvey Martin, and Harvey Arthur Martin.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Howe Mortuary in Longmont, Colorado. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Reception to follow in Loveland at Ranack at 652 S. County Road 9E, Loveland, CO.

Leroy will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, the pride he took in his craft, and his appreciation for life’s simple pleasures-fishing, tending his garden, and dancing. He loved his family in his own unmistakable way. Though his feisty spirit and candid nature were well known, those who knew him best recognized his love was often expressed in quiet acts of generosity; a bag of fresh vegetables, a favorite caramel candy, or a handful of M&M's shared with those he cherished.