Martin Neske

Martin Theodore Neske gained his wings Monday, July 20th, out in the field doing what he loved. A celebration of life will be Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Baker City Nazarene Church, with dinner to follow. Those wishing to attend are welcome to bring a side dish or dessert.

Born April 21, 1964, in Hemet, California, to Jack and Beverly Neske. He was the 4th of 5 siblings. In 1973, the family moved from California to Baker City, Oregon, and lived on a farm on Sunnyslope.

He married Mary Ester Robinson on October 7, 1989. They would have been married for 37 years this October.

Martin worked for Bob Lick and Gary Kramer, then formed Neske Brothers with his brother Johnnie. Martin was a volunteer firefighter for Haines Fire Protection District for over 20 years. He also served on the Haines City Council for a number of years.

Martin enjoyed the outdoors, hunting (bird, ground squirrel, and deer), fishing (mostly ice fishing), and Christmas tree hunting with his family every year. If he ever had a break in the summer, a drive is what they did. If lucky, they would all go search for huckleberries.

Sunday and Thursday nights, you could find him bowling in a league. Also got the family involved with square dancing.

Being a farmer, family vacations were a trip to the parts store out of town or a drive through the valley and mountains. They were able to go on one family vacation to the coast and had a great time.

On December 22, 1995, they welcomed their first child, Pamela Ann Neske. Their second child, Casey Jean Neske, was born September 8, 1998. Martin may have only had girls, but he made sure they could outwork any boy they came across.

Even though Martin was allergic to animals, he let his girls raise animals for 4-H and helped as best he could.

Martin loved his family, and he loved the outdoors, starting a custom haying business known as Neske Brothers. If ever asked what his favorite tractor was, he would always say, “the red one” (Case, Hesston, International—of course). The old John Deeres being an exception.

There wasn’t much he couldn’t run or fix. When people needed an engine operator or just a guy to keep things running on fire lines, Martin was there to make sure it happened.

Martin took pride in taking care of the land, and his fields were always known for being beautiful and weed-free. He was always able to take a field that wasn’t growing into one that flourished.

Dad always had time for all of his nieces and nephews and all of the littles in between! Kids absolutely loved Martin!

On October 16th, 2025, his first grandson, Oliver Martin Hoover, was born. Those two were peas in a pod and did everything together. The connection they shared was priceless.

Martin was the epitome of patience, hard work, humor, and calm, all done with his patented cheesy grin.

Martin was preceded in death by his father, John (Jack) Neske; his sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Mike Smietana; his brother, John Neske; stepfather, Duane Schaer; his in-laws, Pug and Mary Robinson; and sister-in-law, Eva Truscott. He leaves behind his wife of almost 37 years, Mary; his daughters, Pam (Drew) Hoover and Casey (Ben) Brown; grandchild, Oliver Martin Hoover; his mother, Beverly Schaer; sisters, Patty (Richard) Howe and Dana (Mark) Robinson; and sister-in-law, Marcella Neske. Plus his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. As well as his many beloved pets.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Haines Fire Protection District through Coles Tribute Center at 1950 Place Street, Baker City, OR 97814.