Martin Fredrick Meise

Martin Fredrick Meise, 69 of Odessa, Wash. passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, after running into a burning bar to save the alcohol. Or maybe not. We all know how he liked to tell stories.

Marty was born on Dec. 2, 1952, in Ritzville, Wash. to Earl & Ramona Meise. Marty graduated from Odessa High School in 1971. He married Wendy Sue Greenwalt on Sept. 25, 1981, and the couple celebrated 40 years of marriage in 2021. Marty & Wendy had one daughter, Jena Nichole Meise, who was born Dec. 25, 1985.

Marty loved sports, whether it was playing them, watching them or coaching. He loved it all. There have been legends of Marty's glory days on the basketball court, and I quote "I remember Marty lighting it up at State B basketball our senior year. He was the highest scorer (99 points) for the tournament and unanimous selection to the all-state team." Don't kid yourself though; he was no slouch on the baseball diamond either. Years later, Marty coached the woman's softball team in town. He had his first heart attack while coaching that motley crew. But no worries, he recovered quickly and eventually moved on to assisting the girl's high school softball team. It'd be a shame not to mention he was a favorite coach for most of the girls, except maybe for his daughter.

Apart from a short stent of time when Marty tried his hand at college, he was an Odessa lifer. He worked for the Odessa Grange Supply, in the fertilizer department; isn't that the shits! Soon after that he found the job at the Lincoln County Road Department, where he would spend 41 years and retire. He loved his job because there was always something to do. Plow roads, check for washouts, pull rock rakers out of the ditch (mainly his daughter), and on a good day, nap at his desk. In his later years, Marty loved going to the casino, taking in Broadway Musicals, and watching the Huskies beat the Cougars. This man knew a good thing.

If Marty couldn't dazzle you with his brilliance, he would indeed baffle you with his bullshit. But seriously, he was a Meise and they can talk! And talk and talk... some of you know what I'm talking about. Marty loved with his whole heart, but he was also a jokester, a one-line of wisdom giver, and was always up for a good laugh. Just ask his sister about the "poisoned peaches". His good nature and love for his family will always be a part of Marty's legacy. If Marty has taught us anything, it is that he was here for a good time, not a long time.

Martin is preceded in death by his father Earl Meise, mother Ramona Meise, and nephew Joel Finck. He is survived by his wife Wendy Meise, daughter Jena Meise, brother Charles Meise, sister Kristi (Gary) Finck, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials to go to Odessa Athletic Booster Club (OABC), PO Box 7, Odessa, WA 99159.

Celebration of Life will be Sept. 24, 2022, at Heritage Church, 302 South First Street, Odessa, WA. After the service please join us at the Old Town Hall, 17 W 1st Avenue in Odessa, for fellowship and food. Strate Funeral Home, Davenport, WA, is caring for the family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at http://www.stratefuneral.com