Martin Leonard Gmeiner of Hinsdale, Illinois passed away peacefully with his family by his side, Friday May 5, 2023. Marty was born in Neenah, Wisconsin on March 1, 1941 to parents Janet and Seymore. Marty is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Nelson Gmeiner, his two daughters Kimberly Williams and Alicia Gmeiner, his son in law, Michael Williams, his two grandsons Charlie and Max Williams, his sister Susie Frost and brother Tom Gmeiner, three nephews and their families: Jeff Frost, Eric (Jessa Wallendal) Frost, Chris (Lindsay Hufford) Frost, niece Carrie Gmeiner Cole and her husband Phil Cole.
Marty was a Hinsdale Rotarian and honored to serve as Rotarian president in 1985. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed many rounds at his favorite clubs and courses with family and friends. He also loved fly fishing and cast fishing at his family’s cottage in White Lake, Wisconsin. He cherished family time at the cottage especially family jam sessions around the bonfire on the beach.
Marty grew up in Highland Park, Illinois and attended Highland Park High School where he met his lifelong golfing buddies, adventurers and dear friends: Barry Golden, Bill Phillips, Bob Luckman, Charlie Dixon, Harry Vignocchi, John Scornavaco, Ronnie Foreman and Wayne Bellei.
After high school, Marty attended Miami of Ohio on a golf scholarship and joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. After college Marty worked for Shell Oil company and met his beautiful wife Nancy while living in downtown Chicago. In 1978 Marty moved his family to Hinsdale when had an opportunity to purchase the Arco ampm on the corner of York and Ogden in Hinsdale. This would soon become the Shell Food Mart. As he continued to purchase other stations along the way, one of which he owned with his dear brother Tom, he formed DCT, Inc. (Dream Come True, Incorporated). Marty’s entrepreneurial spirit never faded. In 1995 he helped found The Royal Buying Group with business partner and loyal friend, Bob Juckniess.
In 2008, John Archer and Robin Gabriel, Marty’s 25 year trusted employees purchased the Shell Food Mart from him and still run the store today.
Marty was a true gentleman and mentor to many. He never left a stone unturned, and accomplished every dream he set his mind to in life. He will always be remembered for his generosity, drive and perseverance. He put family and friends before himself, always. He had many favorite expressions and mannerisms that all who knew him will never forget.
A visitation will be held Monday May 22nd from 4-7pm at Adolf Funeral Home 7000 S Madison St. Willowbrook Il, 60527. Family and Friends will meet at Union Church of Hinsdale 137 S Garfield Hinsdale Tuesday May 23rd for Celebration of Life Service at 10am.
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