Ronald Duane Martinson

Ronald ”Ron” Duane Martinson, 84, of Gillette, WY passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Billings Clinic in Billings, Mt. A memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026 at Walker Funeral Home and Crematory.

Ron was born in Madison, SD on November 1, 1941 to Alexander and Laura (Forbragd) Martinson. Ron grew up in Madison and quit school in the 9th grade. He worked at the towns largest employer, Winks Produce. Later taking a job at Foremost Dairy delivering milk, and working as a substitute for drivers in nearby towns while they were on vacation.

Ron was 16 when he met Carol Bidwell. When he was 20 they were married by the justice of the peace at Pipestone, MN on February 22, 1962. They lived in Madison while Ron went to Auto Mechanics school in Sioux Falls, SD. He graduated in 1965 at which time the family moved to Volga, SD, later moving into Brookings where Ron worked at Oines/Einsbar Motors.

In 1971 Ron decided he wanted to be his own boss, so the family moved to Deadwood, SD where Ron took over the Standard Service Station on Sherman Street. There he earned a certificate for Service Station Management in 1972. For a time he also ran a gas station on Main Street in Lead, SD. In 1982 Ron was ready to try something new, so he started Martinson Ditching and moved to Gillette, WY. He met Dave and Marie Hansen of M.D. Electric who helped him get acquainted with local businesses.

Before long Ron stared MCM along side of Martinson Ditching. Ron loved this job and was proud of his sons coming in to help and later taking over operations of the business. He enjoyed helping out and giving advice. Ron was an easy going man, who helped out everyone he could and treated everyone with respect.

Ron is survived by his wife Carol of Gillette, WY, Their four children, Diana (Mark) Martinson, Julie (Scott) Martinson, James (Claudia) Martinson and Michael (Gwyn) Martinson , 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren He was preceded in death by an infant son, Randy Lee Martinson and one infant daughter, Donna June Martinson, his parents, a brother, Don and three sisters, Alvina, Janice and Ardis.

Ron believed in John 20:29 “Blessed are those who have not seen. Yet believed.” Memorial and condolences may be sent in care to Walker Funeral Home 410 S. Medical Arts Court Gillette, WY 82716. Or via the website: www walkerfuneralgillette.com