Martin Lee Rimestad was born on May 18, 1952, in Grand Forks, ND to Sigurd and Marilyn (Stromstad) Rimestad. Marty graduated from Eveleth High School in 1970 and attended the University of North Dakota-Grand Forks graduating with a BS in Biology in 1974. He spent his summers working at Nelson’s Resort in Crane Lake, MN as a sous chef. Marty loved to share his joy of cooking with others and passed it on to his children. Marty attended medical school at the University of North Dakota and University of Minnesota from 1975-79, afterwards completing his residency at Broadlawns in Des Moines, IA from 1979-82. During his time earning his medical degree, Marty was blessed with his two daughters, Noelle and Lauren in a previous marriage.

Marty and his family moved to Amery in 1982 when he joined Dr. Arneson in his practice at the Amery Clinic, which later became the Amery Regional Medical Center. During his many years as a family doctor, he was proud to serve the area including the Amery Regional Medical Center, Clear Lake Clinic, and Polk County Coroner’s Office. Marty married his soulmate, Wanda Meyer in 1989 and they were blessed with their three boys – Karsten, Landen and Braeden.

Marty cherished his time with family and friends. His favorite sound was a house booming with laughter and the pitter patter of children’s feet as they roar through the hallways. On his days off, he could be found hunting, fishing, or in his shop working on his newest woodworking project.

Marty had an endless supply of care and compassion for others that is woven deep through his family and community. The Amery community was dear to Marty’s heart, and he was passionate about serving the community through his positions on the Polk County Housing Authority Board and Polk County Nursing Board. In addition, he was awarded the Healthcare Professional of the Year in 2014 by the Amery Community Club and the 2015 Friend of Public Health Award by the Polk County Health Department.

In 2014, Marty was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Through this diagnosis and the challenges that came with it, Marty discovered new friendships and his newest passion: painting. Marty became an accomplished painter with over a dozen paintings of natural landscapes and wildlife. During his final years with PSP, he made it a priority to enjoy every sunrise and every moment with the people he loved. After a decade long battle with PSP, he passed peacefully at home on September 19, 2024.

Marty will leave many legacies and memories in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. One of his most frequently shared phrases was to “Be kind”. His family requests to keep Marty’s legacy alive by choosing to spread kindness with one another. Marty’s final act of kindness was donating his brain for PSP research. Marty kept everyone smiling even through the tough times. In true Marty fashion, some of his last spoken words were “Prop me up beside the jukebox if I die.”

Marty is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Wanda and his children: Noelle (Hassan), Lauren, Karsten (Abby), Landen (Micheala), Braeden; and grandchildren: Keo, Violet, Hank, and Charlotte. He is also survived by his siblings: Kris (Mike) Lance, Debbie (John) Motley, Kathy (Dick) Westrum, and Sanna (Dan) Raedeke and his uncle and aunt Ken and Pat Schultz, many in-laws (and outlaws), nieces and nephews, cousins, and extended family. Marty was preceded in death by his parents, Sig and Marilyn Rimestad and his father-in-law Herb Meyer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to CurePSP, Amery Hospital & Clinic Foundation, Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Adoray Home Health & Hospice, or Interfaith Caregivers of Polk County.

A visitation will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery, WI. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Amery, WI, with a visitation beginning one hour prior to services at the church.

Last Update: Sep 22, 2024 11:09 am CDT