Martin W. "Marty" Bongard, age 72, a lifelong resident of Stanwood passed away Monday, December 1, 2014 at home with his family by his side. He was born September 4, 1942 in Lake George, the son of Willard "Bill" and Edna (Crandall) Bongard. Marty graduated from Morley Stanwood High School in 1960 and later earned his master's degree from Central Michigan University. He was honorably discharged from the United States National Guard serving during the Vietnam era. Marty married Sharon Davis on September 6, 1969 and together they raised their family in Stanwood. He was a very active Christian. Marty attended and was involved in the Stanwood Free Methodist Church and went on mission trips through the Trinity Fellowship Church. He taught history and shop at Chippewa Hills High School until he retired in 2002; he then worked for Williams Kitchen and Bath as a contractor until 2013. Marty enjoyed traveling, camping and music; especially Southern Gospel and church hymns. He was a detailed master in wood work. Marty appreciated nature; the trees and wood cutting. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and family. Marty is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sharon Bongard of Stanwood; two daugthers, Deborah (Pete) Bongard-Aerts of Portage and Jeanette (Steve) Travis of Broken Arrow, OK; four grandchildren, Collin and Caleb Aerts and Kason and Keagan Travis; three sisters, Bonnie May (Wayne) Cox of DePew, OK, Kathleen (Dale) Cousineau of Stanwood and Shirley (Kary) Frank of Grand Rapids; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service will take place 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 6, 2014 at the Stanwood Free Methodist Church with Pastor Wayne Bullock officiating. The family asks if you have a memory or photo of Marty to bring it to the memorial service to be displayed and later added to their family scrapbook. Memorial contributions in Marty's name may be made to Hospice of Michigan or the Trinity Fellowship Church Special Mission Trips.