Bruce W. 'Buzz' Martin
Bruce W. “Buzz” Martin, 59, of Bagley, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, due to complications from congestive heart failure.
Buzz was a lifelong resident of Bagley and a true river rat. He loved to spend lazy days fishing at Bagley Bottoms with friends and family. That love of the river eventually led him to a career as a tugboat pilot for Newt Marine Services in Dubuque, Iowa. He loved his work and the people he worked with, thinking of them as an extension of his family. Buzz was the kind of coworker you wanted to have, always going above and beyond what was asked of him. He was a man whose work ethic could be matched by few.
Buzz was a man with an unquestionable love for his family.
Buzz married the love of his life, Tamera “Tammy” Kramer on Feb. 17, 1990. Widowed only a year later, he placed his whole heart into loving and providing for his daughters. He carried the weight of the world on his shoulders to give his girls a happy home and secure future. He was an amazing father and an even better grandpa. Buzz’s children were the light of his life and he beamed with pride whenever he talked about them. Especially his best buddie, Willie, who would tag along with grandpa at any opportunity.
He was a rock for many and a man who offered his friends and family his unwavering support. He was a man who liked to keep busy and would give the shirt off his back for anyone. When he’d finally take a break, you’d find him at his sister Rita’s enjoying a Dew and a chat.
Buzz is survived by his daughters, Crystal (Glenn) and Jeanne (Dillion), his grandchildren, Kylie, Shawn and Wesley; his siblings, Rita (Frank), Jim (Joyce), Betsy (Butch), Janine (Leland), Tammy (John), Robin (Barry), Roberta (Bill) and Jeff (Amber).
He was preceded in death by his wife Tammy, brother Gary and his parents.
His family and friends are asked to come together to celebrate his smile and unforgettable laugh at a celebration of life on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 1 to 4 p.m., at Luck O’ the Irish in Bagley.
