Ignacio Martinez Sr.

There aren’t many men of whom it can be said that everyone who met him left a better person, but Ignacio Martinez, Sr. was such a man. He lived his life with no regrets and adopted the philosophy “I am on vacation and I am alive.” Ignacio worked hard throughout his life and enjoyed his work too, yet he realized there is certainly more to life than just work. He was a dedicated family man and his fun-loving side was hard to miss when he was around his grandchildren. Ignacio’s faith was an important component in his life and it was this same faith that served as the guide map by which he directed his every step.

The year 1923 was a year to remember as it was the year in which President Warren G. Harding died suddenly, the first motion picture with sound was designed, and the Canton Bulldogs were the National League Champions in football. This was also a year of great significance in the home of Miguel and Matilda (Marin) Martinez as they welcomed the birth of their son, Ignacio, on July 31st. Ignacio was born in San Antonio, Texas and was one of eight children in his family. As a young man Ignacio valiantly served his country in the Army during WWII and was involved in the landing at Normandy and the subsequent push through Europe. He later joined the Air Force for another tour of duty.

Once he was again a civilian, big changes were in store for Ignacio that would forever alter the course of his life. He began secretly courting a young girl named Olga Maciel whom he enjoyed a soda with behind the laundromat. Her parents thought Olga was at the movies with Ignacio’s sister, but instead that day marked the beginning of an enduring love story. After their romance blossomed into true love Ignacio and Olga were married on April 15, 1946 in Marshall, Michigan. They were later blessed with the births of 10 children who brought Ignacio vast amounts of joy.

Throughout his life Ignacio worked hard no matter what he was doing. He worked as a migrant worker for a time and he later worked at Motor Wheel in Lansing for many years. Ignacio retired from Motor Wheel but then began working at the Kroger in St. Johns. He remained at Kroger for the last several years of his life.

Although he enjoyed his work, Ignacio found so much joy in countless other things. He loved watching football, especially the Lions and University of Michigan Wolverines, and he also watched the Detroit Red Wings play hockey. Ignacio greatly enjoyed watching his sons coach and several of the St. Johns High School sports teams. He loved the Christmas season and often gave McDonald’s gift certificates as gifts. Ignacio was a true outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, and camp. In fact, the trips to Luther with the Aquila Hunting Club with his “six pack” (his six sons) were legendary. It was common knowledge that “whatever happened in Luther, stayed in Luther.” Ignacio enjoyed listening to lively music and dancing, as well as listening to and telling stories.

One of the things that were hard to miss about Ignacio was his tender heart that seemed to have no boundaries. His heart simply encompassed everyone and he always put others first. Ignacio’s family was his greatest love aside from his faith in God, especially his grandchildren. He loved taking soooooooooo many of them to Burt Lake in northern Michigan. While there, Ignacio’s chili cook off became something that everyone looked forward to. He was also famous for the old “knuckle to the head” dance with this younger generation. It was always so much fun whenever Ignacio’s grandchildren would ask him to flex his muscles! The love Ignacio had in his heart radiated to others around him since everyone who knew Ignacio loved him dearly.

There are so many things that made Ignacio truly one-of-a-kind and for which he will be so cherished. He was proud of his military service and his membership with the VFW Post #4113. Ignacio marched as part of that group every year in the St. Johns Veteran’s Day Parade. He loved breakfasts, watermelon, and turkey legs, and he never missed an episode of Bob Barker on The Price Is Right. Ignacio had his own “home remedy” for many things as he believed that Vicks VapoRub was the answer to all the world’s ills! He loved his Chevrolet S-10 pickup and was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus. Ignacio also recognized the importance of taking time for himself as he tried to have “quiet time” for one hour every day.

Whether he was walking along the sand in Cocoa Beach, Florida, paying tribute to his country and his fellow servicemen in the Veteran’s Day Parade each fall, or just laughing with his family, Ignacio Martinez, Sr. brought so much joy to the world in which he lived. He never shied away from putting in a hard day at work yet he also found time to delight in a variety of things. Ignacio took what life gave him and made the best of it, never complaining about his ailments through the years. His focus was simply on loving God, loving his family, and loving all those within his reach. Although Ignacio’s family and friends now say goodbye, they will forever hold tight to his vibrancy for life, his compassionate ways, and the many moments they were given to share with such an extraordinary man. He will be dearly missed.

Ignacio M. Martinez, Sr. died on Wednesday, December 9, 2009. Ignacio’s family includes his wife Olga; his daughters, Juanita (Ramiro) Ferreira, Rosa (Daniel) Fedewa, Sally (Frank) Sanchez and Elvira (Jeff) Jones; sons, Ignacio “Joe” (Karen) Martinez, Jr., Ricardo (Brenda) Martinez, Gilbert (Brenda) Martinez, Reuben (Pamela) Martinez and Marty (Linda Bennett) Martinez and daughter-in-law, Gianna Martinez; 28 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren; sister, Maria (Rogelio) Rosas; brothers, Francisco (Petra) and Jose (Enriqueta) Martinez. Ignacio was preceded in death by his parents; son, Carlos Martinez; grandsons, Ricky Bashore and Joseph Vasquez; sisters, Cecilia Villa, Juanita Trevino; and brothers, Victor and Miquel Martinez, Jr.; as well as many nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 11, 2009 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns, with burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with Rev. Fr. Eoin Murphy officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 5-9 p.m. Thursday with a vigil/rosary service at 6 p.m. and 9-11 a.m. Friday morning before the Mass at the Osgood Funeral Home in St. Johns. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo or make a memorial contribution to the VFW Post #4113 or to the St. Johns High School Athletic Boosters. Arrangements provided by the Osgood Funeral Homes