Marquette––John Clarence Martin, 91, of 1540 West Ridge Street, Apartment #13, Marquette, entered eternal life peacefully, Tuesday morning, March 27, 2007, at Eastwood Nursing Center.
John was born on April 21, 1915 in Luther, Michigan to Clarence and Lilly (Dobriener) Martin. On May 25, 1935, John married the loved of his life, Virginia Peters, and the couple set about establishing their home and raising a family in the Marquette area. John was employed at the Piqua and Munising Wood Products Plant for many years. Rarely content to work at only one job, he was also self-employed. For years, he owned and operated Johnnies City Service in Marquette. He also worked for the DSS & A Railroad and as a heavy equipment mechanic during the construction of K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base. John retired after twenty years as a corrections specialist at the Marquette Branch Prison.
John was an avid outdoorsman, happiest when he was outdoors with his family and friends. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, bowling, gardening, and long walks often accompanied by his feline friends, especially Freddie.
John was a proud and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of more than 71 years, Virgina; two sons, Ronald (Beverly) Martin of Negaunee and Ted Martin of Negaunee; a daughter, Marilyn (Ed) Rathjen of Orion, IL; fifteen grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Alice; brother, Kenneth; and two great-grandsons, Jason and Adam.
Friends may call at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Friday, March 30, from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Friday in the funeral home at 3:00 pm with Rev. Dwight Wilkins, pastor of Lake Superior Christian Church, officiating. Pallbearers will be John’s grandchildren, Ronald Martin Jr., Michael Martin, Larry Martin, Ted Martin II, Jeffrey Martin, and Jack Weydert. Burial will be made in the Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to UP Home Health & Hospice, 829 Croix Street. Negaunee, MI 49866.
The family wishes to give special thanks to Dr. Wayne Carlson, Eastwood Nursing Center, and UP Home Health & Hospice for the many kindnesses extended to John and his family.