Martin D. Werchau

Martin D. Werchau, 89, of New Salem, passed away Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Elm Crest Manor, New Salem. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Peace Church, New Salem, ND with Pastor Brian Held officiating. Burial will be at Bethel Cemetery.

 Visitation will be held Friday, February 16, 2024, from 4:30-6:00 PM at Peace Church, New Salem, with a Prayer Service at 6:00 PM. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

 Martin Dale Werchau was born to Willie C. and Ella (Beth) Werchau on their family farm south of Judson, where he lived most of his life, on February 28, 1934. He attended Spring Valley Country School and New Salem High School. Martin entered the U.S. Navy in 1956. He worked in the engine room and ran the engines on the U.S.S. Point Defiance in the Pacific Corridor. When he joined the Navy, he found out his name wasn’t Martin, but Dale, so he went to the Capitol in Bismarck, and for one dollar, had it changed to Martin Dale. After returning from the Navy in 1958, he helped his dad farm and worked for Loehrke Brothers Construction.

 Martin married Meredyth Toepke on September 6, 1959. In 1962, Martin rented the Gust Thiel Farm but continued to drive trucks for two more years. In 1964, Martin and Meredyth rented his parents’ farm, which they later bought. Martin worked as a substitute mail carrier and drove school bus for 50 years. Martin was a lifetime member of the Bethel Church of Christ. He served two terms as President on the Church Board and was in charge of the cemetery for many years. He was also a member of the Elks and the Central Morton Sportsman Club.

 Martin loved farming, spring calving, planting trees, and gardening. He planted apple, pear, and apricot trees, grapes, and many other items that he enjoyed sharing with others. Martin’s favorite color was red, and he liked bright, shiny, and bling. Martin enjoyed fireworks and Christmas decorations, and was even featured in the Bismarck Tribune Parade magazine. He also liked camping, fishing, and watching sports.

Martin will be deeply missed by his wife, Meredyth; sons, Loren (Pam), Bullhead City, AZ, Lance (Robbie), Minot, ND, and Lee (Michele), Bullhead City, AZ; six grandchildren, Travis (Erin), Tanner (girlfriend, Shayy Cohen), Trevor (fiance Elizabeth Vought), Hannah (fiance, Josh Ralph), Jackson (fiance, Brittney Evans), and Jacob; and great-grandson, Jameson; sister, Gloria Klug, Dickinson, ND; brother, Wayne Werchau, New Salem, ND; brother-in-law, David (Sharon) Toepke, New Salem, ND; and numerous nieces and nephews.

 Martin was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Kenneth and Vi Toepke; brother-in-law, George Klug; and sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Werchau.

 In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Martin’s name to Bethel Cemetery or the Bethel Church Preservation Fund.