Martin Gene Thimmes

Logan ? Martin Gene Thimmes passed away on Thursday, December 27, 2001, from complications of diabetes. He was born November 21, 1944 in LaGrande, Oregon to Leonard Martin and Geraldine Wright Thimmes. He grew up on the Silver Mountain Ranch, which was owned by his grandparents, in Lower Cove, Oregon. There, he learned to love the outdoors, tractor work and baby animals. At a young age, he was involved in 4-H, both livestock and farm equipment. He received his education 1-12 at Cove Public School. His senior graduating class consisted of 14 students. One of the happiest times of his life was serving an LDS mission to New Zealand, where he loved the countryside and the people. He served his own country with the Marine Corps, the Air Force and Army Reserve. For many years, he was a professional land surveyor and forester. He surveyed the entire state of Utah, eastern Oregon, western Wyoming, southern Idaho, and parts of Australia and Africa. Notable surveys included the Virgin River Gorge Highway, the MX Missile site, Yellowstone National Park lower-loop highway, and the Kern River pipeline. Eventually ill health stole his outdoor life from him. Thanks to the care of good doctors, nurses and medical technicians, he enjoyed an extra 11 years of life. Martin married Diana Mae Lee in June 1969 in the Manti Temple. Three children were born to this union. They were later divorced. He married Madeline Quist Schimmelpfennig in November, 1985. He is survived by his wife Madeline; three children: Geri Michael Hennessy, Omaha, Nebraska; Martin Glenn Sarah Thimmes, Issaqua, Washington; and Amanda Thimmes, Logan; three grandchildren: Jordan and Liam Hennessy and Sophia Thimmes; three step-children: Steven Jennifer Schimmelpfennig, Gardnerville, Nevada; Karen John Duncan, Minot AFB, North Dakota; and Saundra Schimmelpfennig, Keams Canyon, Arizona; two step-grandsons: Brendon and Jeremy Duncan; a brother: Terry L. Kathy Thimmes, LeGrande, Oregon; nephew, Jason Thimmes and nieces: Carrie Knapp and Rozana Bracken of Utah; a step-mother, Mary Ann Thimmes, Vancouver, Washington; and two step-sisters: Kristi Thiessen and Judy Chuck Bailey of Washington. He is preceded in death by his parents and step-father, Don Blacker. Funeral services will be held at the Nelson Funeral Home, 162 East 400 North, Logan, on Saturday, January 5, 2002 at 1:00 p.m. Friends and family may call from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery. Condolences may be extended to the family through www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .