Orley Martin, 85

Orley Martin, 85 of Bigfork, passed away March 11, 2024. He was born in Hill City, Minnesota to Maurice and Nathalie Martin on June 15, 1938. He had sixteen brothers and sisters. 

He stopped high school to help the growing family and obtained his G.E.D. at a later date. 

Orley was married to Shirley Smith for seventeen years. Their children are Jerilee Gudmunson, Jody Martin and Lori Fuller. Orley married Candy Wilson in 1992. Orley and Candy have eight grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren. 

He was in the Air National Guard and a member of the Operating Engineers. He was a respected crane operator. He helped build several bridges in Montana and a few dams such as the Libby Dam and the Noxon Dam.

Orley enjoyed working hard and playing hard. You usually didn’t leave his house without playing a game of cribbage. He liked hunting and fishing and made many trips to Alaska to fish and spend time with family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held in Orley’s honor at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory.