Marty Ray Cantler

Marty Ray Cantler, 55, of Amenia, ND passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2014 in the loving arms of his family. Marty was a beloved son, brother, father, uncle, and Grandpa. Being a Grandpa to his 4 beautiful grandsons brought him the utmost joy.

Marty was born on February 5, 1959 to Ron and Betty Cantler at St. Luke’s Hospital in Fargo, ND. He attended Fargo schools and graduated from Fargo South High School in 1977. He was employed by Case New Holland for over 20 years. He had many close co-workers and he cherished their friendship and support.

Marty loved the outdoors. He thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time at the family lake cabin on Big Cormorant Lake. He looked forward to the fall hunting season every year. Hunting was about spending time with his family and friends. Marty could walk more sloughs and CRP fields than anyone and never get tired. He was an exceptional shot with a shotgun and if you hunted with him, you better get the first shot. Marty also enjoyed riding his motorcycle, snowmobile, and definitely had a need for speed. He could pick up any sport and do it well. He could bare foot ski, ride a uni-cycle, juggle, wake board, sky-dive, bowl, snow ski, play hockey, and was an excellent softball player and pitcher. Marty had an unbeatable sense of humor and his laugh was infectious.

Marty battled cancer for almost 3 years. He never complained and fought to be here as long as he could for his kids and grandkids. Even on his hardest days, he was more worried about his kids and grandkids than himself. He loved wrestling with his grandsons and would always tell them he loved them bigger than the whole world. We know that Marty will watch over us all.
No regrets.

Marty is survived by his parents, Ron and Betty (Solberg) Cantler, Fargo, ND; daughter, Sara (Mike) Mead of Amenia, ND; son, Shawn (Jenny) Cantler of Fargo, ND; his 4 grandsons, Myles, Ryland, Carson, and Sylas; his first grand-daughter that will be born in July; sister, Heidi Hauger of Fargo, ND; brother, Chris (Dawn) Cantler of Abercrombie, ND; 2 nieces, Sydney and Holli; and his nephew, Chase.

Marty was welcomed to heaven by his late great-niece, Kirstin Elizabeth Booke.

Visitation will be from 5-7pm, Friday, with a prayer service to follow at 7pm, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo. The memorial service is 11am Saturday at Olivet Lutheran Church. Burial will be at Silent Hill Cemetery, Aneta, ND.

Help us celebrate Marty’s life immediately following the funeral service, at The Bowler, 2630 S. University Dr. Fargo, ND.