Martin "Marty" Gores

Martin (Marty) Gores passed away peacefully on October 25, 2024, following complications from surgery for a brain aneurysm. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on April 5, 1946, he was adopted a few months later by Hubert “Bud” and Jeanne Wilson Gores, who raised him lovingly in Red Wing, Minnesota. Marty enjoyed an active childhood in Red Wing, where he wrestled and played football and baseball before graduating from Red Wing High School in 1964. He kept in close touch with his classmates over the years by organizing mini-reunions and golf weekends.

After high school, Marty attended Mankato State and graduated from St. Mary’s College in Winona, Minnesota. It was there that he met Mary, his wife of over 56 years. They married in August 1968 and built a life centered around family and friends. Marty spent more than 20 years with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a career that took the family to many places across the Midwest. No matter where he lived, Marty had a gift for making lifelong friends, forming bonds that endured through the years. A move to Iowa turned him into a dedicated University of Iowa Hawkeyes fan, thanks to the friendships he made with fellow fans.

In 2006, after the passing of his adoptive parents, Marty sought out his birth family and was delighted to connect with half-siblings living nearby. These new relationships quickly became a treasured part of his life.

Together, Marty and Mary raised three children and welcomed eight grandchildren. Marty took great pride in teaching his children and grandchildren everything from wrestling and playing pool to throwing a football in the backyard and swimming and boating lessons. He loved spending time with his family, whether it was a day at the lake, hunting trips, their annual family vacation to Cragun’s Resort, or cheering on his grandkids’ sports games. Before each game, he would encourage them with his familiar motto: “Have fun, play hard, and keep your eye on the ball!”

Marty was the very proud original owner of his recognizable 1977 Cris Craft boat, affectionately named The Cruiser. He was a long-time member of the Prior Lake Yacht Club, where he enjoyed monthly island gatherings with friends and fellow boating enthusiasts. He loved duck hunting, golfing, and any time spent on the water, often accompanied by his loyal dog, whether at home or in the hunting field.

Marty had a big heart, especially when it came to kids. He was deeply moved by causes like St. Jude’s and Shriners Hospitals, supporting them over the years. He also volunteered with Special Olympics, where he loved teaching golf. He rented one of his apartment buildings to a group home for children with special needs, often visiting to bring joy to the residents and frequently reflecting, “There but for the grace of God…”

Marty is survived by his wife, Mary Gores; children: Michelle (Steve) Smith, Michael (Toni) Gores, Mark (Emily) Gores; grandchildren: Jonnie, Hayden, Ella, Meghan, Lucy, AJ, Campbell, and Henry; half-siblings: Delancy (Mark) Carroll, John (Mary) Pederson, Sue (Dale) Wessel, and Bob Pederson; brother-in-law: Mark (Ann) Campbell; sisters-in-law: Patricia and Florence Campbell; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Jeanne Gores; brother, James Gores; nephew, Derek Campbell; and brothers-in-law, Dick, Bob, and Dave Campbell.

A private family ceremony will be held on November 15, 2024, at Saint Michael’s Church. To celebrate Marty’s life, family and friends are invited to a “Marty Party” on December 29, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the VFW.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Marty’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, honoring his lifelong support for children in need.