Melvin Martinka

Melvin Frank Martinka, age 82, of Ashley, MI passed away Thursday, August 13, 2009 at Clinton Memorial Hospital, St. Johns, MI.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie Chapel Elsie, MI on Monday, August 17, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. Mr. Thomas Bradley will officiate with burial following at Ford Cemetery, Gratiot County, MI. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 16, 2009 from 2-8 PM. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel.

Melvin was born in Ashley, Michigan on August 7, 1927, the son of Matus "Mike" and Vera (Minarik) Martinka. He resided most of his life in the Ashley area. Melvin married Dorothy Reha on September 11, 1948 at St. Cyril's Catholic Church Bannister, MI. Melvin was employed as a factory worker and was a farmer for most of his life. He played baseball in his younger years. Melvin enjoyed hunting & fishing especially moose hunting. He was a member of ZCBJ Lodge #225 of Bannister.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy Martinka of Ashley, MI, daughter Carol and Joseph G. Smolka of Bannister, MI, granddaughter Colette and Wade Kremer of Bannister, MI, grandson Joseph M. Smolka of Crystal, MI, great grandchildren Emma Kremer, and Marcus Kremer, 3 sisters; Josephine Chapin of Ashley, MI, Arleen and Richard Zvonek of New Lothrop, MI, and Elaine and Edward Zajdlik of Chesaning, MI. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Myril Chapin.

Memorials may be made to ZCBJ Lodge #225 or WOES Radio Station. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie Chapel Elsie, Michigan.

Read Melvin Martinka's Obituary and Guestbook on smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.