George Martinek

Mr. George L. Martinek, age 77, of Walker, passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2007. Growing up on a farm during the Depression in the thumb area of Michigan, George lived in a very poor environment. His family survived on a 40-acre farm and grew what they ate, never throwing away anything. At his home he still has a collection of buttons, matches, golf balls, pencils, and note pads; and when questioned, he always said, "Remember, you may need that some day." Before he was drafted into the Army to serve in the Korean War, he had just married his first wife, Marlene. With his farm and military experience, he learned about heavy equipment and drove truck. George was trusted by his many NAPA store customers who lent him keys to their businesses so he could deliver products. Prior to working at NAPA, he worked in road construction for 30 years and then worked at Meijers, delivering their mail. When his children were younger and gas was 18 cents per gallon, it was very common for the family to ride to Coldwater Park so they could fish, swim, and pick walnuts off the road. His wife, Marlene died on October 11, 1981, leaving him with young teenagers to raise. After nine years, he met the former Patricia Ford-Castor who had been a widow for 13 years. They met while working at Meijers and were married on October 1, 1990 in Arizona. This made a family complete with nine adult children. George is survived by his wife, Patricia; children, Dan and Barbara Martinek of Sparta, Jeffrey and Mary Martinek of Greenville, Darryl and Kim Martinek of Howard City, Bethany and Greg Klunder of Howard City, Christopher Martinek of Rockford, Scott and Cathy Castor of Stanwood, Gary and Sue Castor of Walker, Mark and Kathy Castor of Lyons, and Todd and Deanne Castor of Grand Rapids; 24 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sisters and brother, Mrs. Dagmar M. Brown of Cass City, Martha and Gene Parson of AZ, and Charles and Betty Martinek of Essexville; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his first wife, Marlene, he was preceded in death by his brother, Stanley Martinek. The service for Mr. Martinek will be offered on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Samuel Meads and Todd Castor officiating. Military honors will be under the auspices of the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard accompanied by the Walker Police Honor Guard with interment in Assumption Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Hospice of Michigan. Friends may meet with the Martinek family from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com