Ramon Martin

Ramon Martin passed away March 23, 2024, in Rawlins, WY. He was 74 years old.

Ramon George Martin was born October 12, 1949, to George and Ann (Forster) Martin. He grew up in the small village of Saratoga, just south of St. Charles, MN. As a boy, Ramon worked beside his dad on the Martin farms. He enjoyed building model cars and riding along when his dad hauled livestock to South St. Paul. Ramon attended grades 1 – 6 in the one-room Saratoga School House. During his high school years in St. Charles, he was a member of the Projector Club and was on the football and basketball teams.

In 1967, Ramon married Sharon Glover and spent his early career working for IBM while living in St. Charles. They had two daughters, Jennifer and Lori. Relocating for work, the couple moved to Wichita and Eau Claire, eventually making their way back to Minnesota where they later divorced. In the mid-70s, Ramon changed careers to follow his heart and his dad’s footsteps, driving for International Transport before becoming an independent trucker specializing in oversized loads. It was on those long hauls that he met his second wife, LaVonne Keller, who was driving an escort vehicle for him.

Ramon and LaVonne lived in Oregon City, OR, and operated RayVonne Trucking. He made deliveries for Polar Tank to Edmonton, Alberta, Salt Lake City, and many other locations across the US.  After their divorce, Ramon spent most of his time either in his semi cab or at his shop in Utica, MN. He was proud that his entire 4-million-mile trucking career was accident free.

Ramon met people all across the country that he called friends.  He was firm in his convictions, hardworking, full of ideas, and always waiting for the next load so he could be back on the road where he truly felt most at home.

Ramon is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Martin of Clear Lake, IA and Lori (Joel) Goette of Phoenix, AZ; three grandchildren; two great grandchildren; two sisters, Marilyn Martin of Ramsey and Janis Martin (Robb Fast) of St. Charles; one sister of the heart, Cheryl Hutley of Lafaivre, Ontario; and a dear companion, Pam Dittrich of Elgin. He is predeceased by his parents and an infant son, Jeffery.

Thursday October 24 beginning at 5 pm, Brewskies in Utica will host an event honoring one of the town’s most colorful characters, Ramon G Martin. Food and beverages will be provided. The following afternoon, Friday, October 25, from 1 – 3 pm, a gathering will be held at the Moose Lodge in St. Charles, MN to honor a long-time friend and member of the Moose family. A light lunch and beverages will be provided.