Franklin Martz
Oct. 4, 1945-May 12, 2025
Rugby
Franklin “Frank” Ruben Martz, 79, of Rugby, passed away on Monday, May 12, 2025, at Trinity Hospital in Minot, North Dakota.
Frank was born on Oct. 4, 1945, in Eureka, South Dakota to Edna (Herman) Dockter and Ruben Martz. He was raised in Ashley, North Dakota and graduated from Ashley High School in 1963, where he was active in basketball, football, track and music.
Frank went on to attend Dickinson State College, where he played basketball and ran cross country. He was honored to be part of the Homecoming Court and participated in a cultural celebration honoring Dr. Hubbard, where he joined others in a dance performance he fondly recalled for the rest of his life. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Dickinson State College.
Frank met and married Marcia Sizer, and the two began their life together in Rugby, where Frank began his teaching career. After brief moves to Kenmare and Park River, the family returned to Rugby, which became home. There, Frank taught 7th & 8th-grade science and physical education, inspiring thousands of students over decades with his discipline, enthusiasm and creative teaching style.
Teaching was more than a career for Frank – it was his calling. Even into his seventies, he continued to teach with energy and zeal. He created songs to help students memorize the human skeleton, took classes outdoors to study trees and invited guest speakers to bring the world into the classroom.
Frank was also a beloved coach, dedicating over 30 years, with junior high basketball being his passion. He believed in shaping young athletes not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, often with his trademark phrase, “Hum baby!” His students remember him for his humor, high standards and steady encouragement.
Outside the classroom, Frank’s life was rich with family, friendships and the outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, weightlifting and running – activities he continued up until his final days. He shared countless fishing trips and hunting stories with fellow teachers and his brother Kirby. He traveled to Africa to study the Black Rhino, hunted a mountain lion in the southern U.S. and was known to dance the “Ruby Baby.” He always carried chapstick, loved ketchup, and had a gift for storytelling.
Above all, Frank was a man of faith and family. He had two children, Mike and Melanie, in whom he instilled a love of fishing, boating and sports. He shared a deep bond with his son Mike, who passed away last year. Frank’s days began in prayer and ended with a German bedtime blessing his mother taught him. He faithfully attended church and men’s Bible study, living his life grounded in love for the Lord and his family.
Frank is survived by ex-wife Marcia Forrester, his daughter Melanie, brother Kirby (Cheryle), and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved son Mike, his parents and others dear to him.
Frank Martz leaves behind a legacy of service, strength and sincere love for teaching, nature and people. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Donations can be made in honor of Frank Martz to the Rugby High School, First Lutheran Church in Rugby, the Eagles in Rugby or the Family of Frank Martz.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 18th at First Lutheran Church in Rugby, burial in Persilla Watts Cemetery in Rugby. Pastor Sharon Baker, officiating.
Organist: Pam Anderson Readers: Larry Fueller and Gordon Sandau Speakers: Tootie Fueller & Melanie Martz
Casket Bearers: Larry Fueller, Alan Kreklau, Robert “Bob” Stenson, Wayne Schilke, Wes Miiller, Ray Norsby & Gordon Sandau
Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby.
Online registry: www.funeralsbyanderson.com
Published by The Pierce County Tribune, May 24, 2025.