Martin "Marty" E. Overby

Overby, Martin E. (Marty) age 69 of Minneapolis (formerly of Shoreview, MN and born and raised in Canton, SD) passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 20, 2018 from complications of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). He is preceded in death by his father Martin Overby and survived by mother Sigvor, sister Judy, brother Pat, daughter Kolleen (Craig), Kolleen's mother Martha, and two "critters" Ruby and Daisy.  Growing up, Marty was involved in many sports and school activities, including baseball, golf and tennis and was the Class of '67 President of Canton High School. He graduated from the University of South Dakota with a degree in accounting and took his first job at Cargill in Minneapolis in internal audit where he met many lifelong friends. His career eventually took him to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester and then back to the Twin Cities.  

Marty was diagnosed with MS in October of 1985 as he and his family were in the process of moving from Rochester to Shoreview. He was able to work full time and eventually part time until the mid-90s, when his MS became too debilitating to continue working.  By 2004, he lost his ability to walk and by 2018 he was confined to his wheelchair, recliner or bed.  Over the last three decades, he battled several complications of this horrible disease, robbing him of most of his eyesight and ability to do the things that he loved most, including golf, racquetball, tennis and being able to walk, while other things like going to dinner, having a beer with friends, going to sporting events (Marty was an avid MN sports fan and watched all the Vikings and Twins games), and making cassette tapes/CDs of his favorite music collections (Marty loved listening to music) became a struggle; things we all take for granted.  Yet, despite the difficult hand Marty was dealt, he always had a smile on his face that brightened when he had visitors, a good story to tell, and never complained, even as most daily activities became a struggle.  Marty was a true inspiration for anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him as he fought with unwavering bravery through his debilitating disease.  He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, critters, and caregivers.  

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 18th, at David Lee Funeral Home in Wayzata, MN.  A visitation and time to gather will start at 2pm, followed by a service at 3pm. 

Following the service, a reception will be held at 6Smith (294 East Grove Lane in Wayzata) from 4pm-8pm for drinks and appetizers to toast his life and share stories.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Association.  

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