Martin Leonard Gmeiner of Hinsdale passed away peacefully with his family by his side May 5, 2023.
Marty was born in Neenah, Wis., in 1941 to Janet and Seymore. He grew up in Highland Park 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 Co. and met his future 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 Inc). 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 Hinsdale Rotarian and honored to serve as the club's 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, Wis. He cherished family time at the cottage, especially family jam sessions around the bonfire on the beach.
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 always put family and friends before himself. He had many favorite expressions and mannerisms that all who knew him will never forget.
Marty is survived by his 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; his brother, Tom Gmeiner; his three nephews, Jeff Frost, Eric (Jessa Wallendal) Frost and Chris (Lindsay Hufford) Frost; and his niece, Carrie Gmeiner (Phil) Cole.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 22, at Adolf Funeral Home, 7000 S Madison St., Willowbrook.
Family and Friends will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 23, at Union Church of Hinsdale, 137 S. Garfield Ave., for a celebration of life service.
Brian Powell Funeral Directors of Hinsdale handled the arrangements.
