Gail Marie Martinson

Gail Marie Martinson, age 70, of Grafton, North Dakota, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Unity Medical Center in Grafton.

Gail was born on September 7, 1954, in Grand Forks, ND, to Walter and Maxine (Delorme) Martinson. She graduated from Hoople High School in 1972 and continued her education at Aaker’s College for Business in Grand Forks. Gail proudly served in the North Dakota National Guard as part of the Military Police. At the time, she was the only female from North Dakota in that role and received numerous commendations for her service.

Throughout her career, Gail held various positions including employment at the Grafton State School. She later worked at Arliano’s Restaurant, eventually becoming co-owner with her mother, Maxine. Gail went on to become the owner and CEO of Data Dynamics Inc., successfully managing government contracts across the United States.

Gail had a vibrant personality and a wide range of interests. She enjoyed bowling, bingo, card games, and Sudoku. She was a fan of westerns, Jeopardy!, Lifetime movies, and Unsolved Mysteries. Gail loved hosting family gatherings and was known for her exceptional event-planning skills. She enjoyed trips to the lake and was a dedicated Minnesota Timberwolves fan. Known for her sharp intellect, Gail was an outstanding speller and unmatched at naming U.S. state capitals. Following in the footsteps of her grandmother, Jane, she always kept two phones nearby. Her travels included pilgrimages to Medjugorje, France and the Holy Lands in Ohio, as well as business trips across the U.S., Croatia, Amsterdam, and Holland.

Gail is survived by her partner, Monte Hanson of Grafton; daughter, Lacey Eckmann, and grandchildren, Brody and Crew, of Chaska, MN; siblings, John (Dot) Martinson of Mandan, ND, Jaqueline (Marlon) Ramsrud of Park River, ND, and Kristi (Vernon) Tollefson of Hoople, ND; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, James and David.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Grafton, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. A meal will follow the service at Shananigan’s Family Restaurant in Grafton. Interment will take place at Hoople Cemetery at 2:00 PM.