Martin J. Vetter, 93, of Napoleon, ND, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, at the Wentz Living Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 10:30 am at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, Napoleon. Visitation will be held Friday, September 4, 2026 from 4:30 - 7:00 pm with a rosary/vigil service at 7:00 pm at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. Burial will be held at St. Philip Neri Cemetery. A livestream of Martin's funeral service will be available on the St. Philip Neri Napoleon Facebook and YouTube pages.

Martin was born on August 19, 1933, in rural Emmons County to Christine (Gross) and Anton Vetter. He was the eldest of eleven children. He attended country school in Hills Township, Logan County, through the eighth grade.

From an early age, Martin learned the value of hard work. He worked alongside his parents and siblings on the family farm and later worked at Roth Bros. in Wishek. On May 13, 1957, Martin married the love of his life, Eileen Sperle, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, SW of Napoleon. Together, they made their home on their diversified farm nine and a half miles west of Wishek, where they worked side by side, milking cows, raising crops and beef cattle along with raising their family.

In 2003, Martin and Eileen moved to Napoleon. Martin continued to be actively involved in his church and community and was always willing to lend a helping hand or share his time and talents with others. Martin also continued to go out to the farm on daily basis and help wherever he was needed.

Martin loved farm life and all that came with it. His strong work ethic and dedication to his family, faith, and community were evident throughout his life. He served for many years as a trustee of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Wishek. Martin served on the St. Anthony Catholic Church Cemetery Board and cared for the Shrine. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

After moving to Napoleon, Martin and Eileen became members of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church where Martin served as a council member. He also served on the St. Philip Cemetery Board. Martin generously gave his time to his community, volunteering at the Napoleon Museum and the Golden Age Club. He was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever someone was in need, never hesitating to step up and help others.

Martin also treasured the friendships he made along the way. He and his good friend, Marty Sperle, worked together on several carpet-laying jobs, enjoying the opportunity to work side by side.

In his quieter moments, Martin enjoyed playing pinochle with family and friends, bowling, and fishing. He especially enjoyed listening to Polka Party every Sunday. These simple pleasures, along with time spent with family, friends, and members of his community, brought him much joy.

Martin will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, humble generosity, strong faith, and willingness to help others. He lived a life devoted to his family, his church, and his community, leaving behind a lasting legacy of kindness, service, and love.

Martin is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Eileen Vetter of Napoleon, ND; five children, Marlene (Keith) Larson of Aurora, Colorado; Duane (Carla Steichen) Vetter of Bismarck, ND; Marlys (Tom) Ohlhauser of Linton, ND; Darwain (Berna Piatz) Vetter of Wishek, ND; and Delmar Vetter and his friend Mary, of Bismarck, ND.

He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Michael (Mandy) Larson of Castle Pines, CO; Casey (Jori) Vetter of Bismarck, ND; Jeremy (Angela) Ohlhauser of Aberdeen, SD; Jerad Ohlhauser of Linton, ND; Travis (Kacy) Vetter of Wishek, ND; Tyler (Betsy) Vetter of Wishek, ND; and Cole Vetter of Bismarck, ND; one step-granddaughter, Tori (Dillon Dewald) of Lincoln, ND; eleven great-grandchildren, Ellie and Madilyn Larson, Easton and Sawyer Vetter, Joshua and Kaylee Ohlhauser, Shane, Nate and Ty Vetter, Treyton, Jaelynn and Tayden and Westin and Evelyn Vetter; two step-grandchildren, Maebri Gramling and Rosie Dewald.

Martin is also survived by his brother, Richard Vetter of West Fargo; sisters, Irene Kuhn of Napoleon and Barbara (Jim) Volochenko of Balfour, ND; sister-in-law, Geneva Vetter of Bismarck, ND; brother-in-law, Donald (Judy) Sperle of Bismarck, ND; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Christine Vetter; his father-and-mother-in-law, Michael and Margaret Sperle; sisters, Christine Bitz, Lorraine Aberle, Marcy Goven; brothers, Matt, Joe, Alois, and Tony; and his grandson, Cory Ohlhauser.

Martin’s life was rooted in faith, family, hard work, and a genuine love for others. He lived his faith not only through his devotion to his church, but through the countless quiet ways he served, helped, and cared for those around him. His greatest joy was his family, and the love he shared with Eileen, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and extended family will remain a treasured part of their lives.