Michael D. Martin
January 9, 2013
Michael Martin
After living with cancer for three years, Michael David Martin died on Wednesday, January 9, 2013, at his home. Mike was born on October 27, 1948, and was baptized on October 31, 1954. He grew up in Cicero, IL, the only son of Genevieve Martin. In that neighborhood, one of Mike’s first jobs was peddling Good Humor ice cream on foot. Following his graduation from Morton East High School, Mike served in the U.S. Army for three years in Europe during the Vietnam Conflict. Mike continued his education with an Associate’s Degree in Electronic Technology from Morton College and a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1976.
Attracted by the spit curls of a young ballroom dancer, Mike married his “better half” Ruthann Koester on November 19, 1977. Together they made a home in Bolingbrook and raised their daughters Becca, Sarah, and Laura. Mike took pride in his daughters and gave them his full support, whether as a Girl Scout chaperone or President of marching band boosters. Mike received his MBA from Illinois Benedictine College in 1986 and spent the bulk of his career in information systems in the healthcare industry.
Mike was an active member of New Life Lutheran Church, Bolingbrook, and then of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Naperville. Mike served the Church in many roles through the years, as treasurer, usher, confirmation teacher, Sunday School teacher, and choir member. He even mowed the lawn on Saturday mornings. The guys of Men’s Breakfast were part of his weekly routine. Mike was a loyal fan of the Chicago Cubs, and the latest blockbuster flick (especially Sci-fi) grabbed his attention. In his house full of girls, he was the go-to-guy for omelets, spaghetti, old-fashioned oatmeal, and stove-top popcorn. Current events, history, and politics were his choice topics of learning and conversation. Three grandchildren provided special joy in these last three years. After 64 years, 2 months, and 12 days on this earth, God was pleased to receive Mike into eternal life.
Mike is survived by his wife Ruth of 35 years; daughters Becca (Matthew) Poock of Evansville, WI; Sarah (Jesse) Wunderlich of Mason City, IA; and Laura Martin of Bolingbrook, IL; three grandchildren, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Visitation will take place on Sunday, January 13, 2013, 2:00 – 7:00 PM, at Bolingbrook-McCauley Funeral Chapel. A memorial service will be Monday, January 14, 2013, 11:00AM, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1310 Shepherd Drive Naperville, IL 60565, (630) 961-9220. http://www.goodshepherd-naperville.org/ A luncheon at the church will immediately follow the service. At a later date, cremains will be laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. In lieu of flowers, please make gifts out to Ruthann Martin, who will be making donations in honor of Mike.
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To the Martin Family.
You dad was an amazing man and loved my SO many. I will have so many memories of him from time at New Life, musicals at RHS, letting us use the house for storage for church softball stuff and much more.
God bless
Pattie
Thoughts and prayers for comfort. Please let us know if you need anything.
Love,
Michelle Stoehrmann
Mike was a wonderful man and an excellent friend. He will be missed dearly. Please accept our deepest sympathy on your loss. Jim and Dodie
Our sincere condolences to the entire family. Sandy and I enjoyed becoming friends through junior high and high school band boosters. We can sympathize on losing a father but can only empathize on losing a partner. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Andy & Sandy Clow
Ruthann, Becca, Sarah, and Laura,
We are so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. You are a great family and will bring strength to each other. You are in our prayers. Girls, everytime you go to McDonalds remember we’re thinking of you. Heaven is perfection and he is at peace.
Heaven has a new angel…and he is free of pain and dancing on the streets of gold. Sarah Beth, may you find peace wrapped in the loving arms of our Savior.
My heart felt thoughts and prayers go out to Mike’s family. Mike and I worked together and I had a chance to experience how dependable and conscientious he was in all of his endeavors. Whenever he discussed his family of “girls” he did it with great pride and enthusiasm. Mike will certainly be missed.
Dear Ruthann and Family.
We are so sad to hear about Mike. There are no words that we can say to make it easy. You have a strong bond of family and faith, let it guide you. Our prayers are with you.
Love
Jose and Sylvia
Ruthie and family:
So sorry to hear of your loss. Words do not make it easier, I know. Your strength and faith will guide you. My sincere sympathy and prayers are with you and your family.
Corrine
Dear Family
We had the pleasur of working with Mike and would like to say that he will be missed may God bless and keep you in his loving arms.