Martin Kenneth Sundeim

Martin Kenneth Sundheim, age 75, a longtime resident of the Onion Creek area, passed away on August 15, 2023 in Colville.   Martin was born in November 1, 1947 in Colville, WA one of nine children to Ingval and Bernice (Martin) Sundheim.

He was raised in Onion Creek on the family ranch and where he learned to work hard at a young age.   Due to the death of his father while Martin was only in his mid-teens, Martin's role on the farm became critical.  They raised cattle and grain, chickens and a garden.  There means were meager at times but they made it through with hard work and perseverance.  Martin left school early to support the needs of the family ranch soon began his own family.  He and Darlene (Winnop) raised their family in Bossburg, WA.  They also resided for a limit time with their family to Western Washington where he worked at Boeing.  Leaving Western Washington for Kansas, they soon returned to Bossburg, WA.  Martin drove truck for the greater extent of his working years.  He began in the timber industry and the purchased his own dump truck and worked along side his brother George.  He sold the dump truck and then began long-hauling cedar from Canada down to Frazer Lumber in Northport, WA.  Martin and Darlene later divorced and their children resided with Martin at his Aladdin Valley home.  Martin also drove for larger long-haul transportation companies with travels across the U.S.  His final 15 years behind the wheel were driving for Lane Mountain in Valley, WA.  Martin retired in 2015.

He was a man with a fantastic sense of humor, who always had "one-liners" ready to deliver along with his cargo delivery and a smile.  He watched over his family and was a proud provider of the necessities.  Martin's sweet tooth kept the home stocked with goodies, all of which were accessible to his children, except the Ding-Dongs, which he guarded diligently.  He enjoyed the many miles spent on the road and always had a wonderful appreciation for the sights and sounds of new places and the topography that complimented.  He had a passion riding his Harley Davison motorcycle and seeing the country on two wheels.  Martim enjoyed his free time spent quietly and was very private.  Even when asked of his opinion, thoughts or preferences by his children, Martin rarely divulged information, thusly earning him the title of the "Teflon Dad".  He showed his love in actions and support of his family.   Martin was unassuming, friendly and loved to gather around an old-fashioned meal of steak and potatoes.

He was preceded in death by four siblings, Knute Sundheim, Ingval Sundheim, Rosie Gleave and Inga Kohlieber.

Martin is survived by his 3 children, Sheri Sundheim (Perry Dorman) of Colville, WA, Brent Sundheim of Spokane, WA, Jody Sundheim (Kristie) of Spokane, WA; step-son, Darren Hansen (Gwen) of Colville, WA; siblings, George Sundheim of Spokane, WA, John Sundheim (Linda) of Onion Creek, WA, Margit Kjolseth (Terry) of Colbert, Cindy Ward of Livingston, MT; grandchildren, Jade Dorman, Josh Dorman, Michael Sundheim, Kyle Throop, Logan Sundheim, Avery Sundheim, Jacob Sundheim, Sara Sundheim; great-grandchildren, Wade Sundheim, Chandler Sundheim, Zoey Throop, Aiden Throop; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of extended family and friends.

Ceremonies for Martin K. Sundheim will begin with a family gathering and be followed by a graveside service at the Mountain View Park Cemetery in Colville, WA.  Memorial contributions may be given towards the research, prevention and cure of Huntington's Disease.  Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com.  Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory in entrusted with the arrangements.