Peter J. Martin Jr.

Peter “Pete” James Martin, Jr., age 88, passed away unexpectedly on October 29, 2025, in Lakewood, Colorado. Born on July 21, 1937, in White Earth, Minnesota, Pete lived a full, independent, self-directed life rooted in service, family, with a deep connection to his heritage and native people. Peter is a proud citizen of the White Earth Ojibwe Nation, Pembina Band.

The close-knit community of White Earth shaped Pete’s early years. He began his education at White Earth Elementary and graduated from Wahpeton High School, ND. His pursuit of knowledge led him to the North Dakota School of Science Wahpeton and later to New Mexico University, where he laid the foundation for a distinguished career in civil engineering, public service, the protection of tribal sovereignty, and tribal economic development.

When Pete lived in Wahpeton, he played baseball with a Wahpeton traveling baseball team when small, rural towns all had baseball teams that played against each other during the summer months. Pete honed his skills as a catcher and first baseman during this time and played baseball or softball throughout his twenties and thirties in some capacity. Peter loved baseball!

As a civil engineer, Pete played a pivotal role in the establishment of Lake Oahe—an achievement that marked the beginning of a long and impactful career with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), under the U.S. Department of the Interior. His work took him across several key locations including Aberdeen, South Dakota; Albuquerque Indian School; Santa Fe Indian School (now known as the Institute of American Indian Arts); Denver, Colorado as the Director of ITEC, a BIA branch dedicated to the economic and infrastructure development in Indian Country, then finally to the Muskogee Area Office where he retired. Pete returned to Denver, Colorado in the late 1980’s to live surrounded by his family.

Throughout his tenure with the BIA, Pete was deeply involved in initiatives that supported tribal sovereignty and tribal economic development. He contributed significantly to programs under the Indian Financing Act of 1970, which expanded revolving funds for tribal economic projects through ITEC Economic Development. His dedication to Indian Country was unwavering and left a notable legacy within Native communities.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Pete was a devoted father, grandfather, and sibling who cherished time spent with his family. He is lovingly remembered by his children: Susan Johnson, Michael Martin (Kristi Peltier), and Dianne Demko; grandchildren: Michael Johnson (Kara), Nick Johnson (Julie), Jessie McKerley (Matt), Himalaya Johnson, Ben Demko, Michelle McPeek (Luke), Jacque Demko (Dan), and Shannon Peltier; great-grandchildren Margaret (Maggie) Johnson, Nick Johnson, Emmett McKerley, Mila McKerley, Ethan Loh, Christian Peltier; siblings: Jeanette Munson, Dick Martin (Dolores), Bonnie Walz, and Elaine Salinas (Al); many Martin and Youngbird nieces and nephews, and his beloved chihuahua companion, Lucky.

Peter is preceded in death by his parents James B. Martin and Dorothy Mae Rogers Martin; maternal grandmother Agnes Rogers; paternal grandparents; siblings Karen Brant and Gary Martin.

Pete’s passions were as vibrant as his stories—he had an extraordinary memory and a gift for storytelling that brought laughter and history to life at every gathering. He found joy in golfing and fishing (especially when walleye with wild rice was on the menu), watching old movies and all kinds of sports—from little league baseball to major league football—with special loyalty to the Colorado Rockies and Denver Broncos. He loved country western music and had an enduring appreciation for trees—particularly pine and birch—and for spending time with those he held dear. Peter had an enthusiastic sense of humor, finding joy and humor in daily life. He enjoyed laughing and joking with friends, family, and casual acquaintances on topical events and situations.

His heart remained forever tied to White Earth Ojibwe Nation and Indian Country at large. He held deep affection for both the Youngbird and Martin families as well as every family dog that crossed his path.

A memorial service for Peter Martin will be held in Colorado in 2026.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him, and may his legacy continue through the lives he touched so deeply.