Michael Martinez

Michael Martinez, 77, our beloved husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa, brother, uncle and friend, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on July 24, 2010. He fought as hard as he could but his body could not fight any longer. He died peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born May 24, 1933 in Canon City, Colo., to Joe and Tonita Martinez. He is the third child of seven. He had five brothers and one sister. He grew up in and attended schools in Canon City. At the young age of 18, he joined the United States Army to serve in the Korean Conflict. He served from 1953 to 1955 as a Medic. He received the Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. After being honorably discharged he came to Tooele, where he met the love of his life Betty Quintana. They were married on August 31, 1957 in Costilla, N.M. They made their home in Grantsville. Together they had five children. Mike had hoped that every child would be a boy, but as luck would have it, he had just one boy and four girls. So, he was pretty tickled when his girls gave him five grandsons and just one granddaughter. He was really happy when his “Baby”, Fran, built her house next door to him. He thought the world of her husband Eric and plus he got another boy.

During Mike’s lifetime he worked at Tooele Army Depot, Tooele Smelter, Marblehead, and Mag Corp where he retired as a Millwright. Mike served in the United States Reserves and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Mike enjoyed barbecuing and cooking Dutch oven dinners for the whole family. He liked doing yard work and working in his gardens. He always had a big pumpkin patch, so all the grandkids could pick out their pumpkins. He could grow the hottest peppers and would take them to his favorite pub, the Dead Dog Saloon where he’d watch some kid try to eat the whole thing; that always made him laugh. Mike was just a naturally lucky person. His daughter Ann and grandson Bobby inherited that lucky gene. He also liked playing pool, cards and dice, hunting, fishing, and watching his favorite team, the Denver Broncos. Mike was well liked and had many friends. He will be missed.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years, Betty. His only son: Mike Martinez-Grantsville. Daughters: Pauline Graham-Tooele, Mary Martinez-Grantsville, Ann (Chet) Rinehart-Soda Springs, Idaho and Fran (Eric) Herman-Grantsville. Grandchildren: Victor Graham (Emily)-Reno, Nev., Chuck (Camille) Johnson-Idaho Falls, Idaho, Carla Graham (Tino)-Salt Lake City, Brian Graham-Tooele, Anthony Martinez-Soda Springs, Idaho, Bobby Carrillo- Grantsville. Great Grandchildren: Feliciana, Araceli, Santiago, Michelle, Jaxon, Camryn, Braylon and Victor. Brothers: Ruben (Rafaelita) Martinez-Tooele, Abel (Pricella) Martinez, Johnny Martinez, Joe (Carol) Martinez. Sister: Theresa Whitney, all of Canon City, Colo. Sisters-in-law: Mary Martinez-Canon City, Colo., Celsa Quintana-Costilla, N.M., and Wyona Quintana-Odgen, Utah and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Fred Martinez, brother-in-law Conrado Quintana and son-in-law Victor Graham.

A viewing will be held on July 29 from 6-7 p.m., The Holy Rosary will follow. Funeral Mass will be on July 30 at 10 a.m. at St. Marguerite’s Catholic Church in Tooele. A viewing one half hour prior. Interment will be at Grantsville City Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the church. Funeral services are entrusted with Didericksen Memorial funeral home, 435-277-0050.