Gerald Arthur Martinchek

Gerald “Jerry” Arthur Martinchek, age 72, of Petoskey, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, in Saginaw, Michigan. The son of Arthur J. and Bertha F. (Krupa) Martinchek, Jerry was born on 15 May, 1951 in Petoskey, Michigan. He married Shelley Ward on the blustery day of December 26, 1970; together they shared 52 years of marriage. Jerry was a hard working and dedicated family man. He will be remembered for having served for almost two decades on the Saint Francis Xavier School Board and as member of the associated parish. When he had free time, he enjoyed trout fishing, music, drawing and painting. With his brothers in law, he even helped build his family home. His keen sense for capturing joyous life moments of those he photographed informed his whole life experience, generating a love for living in the moment. In his later days, he continued to photograph the natural world around him as well as having finished writing his personal memoirs; each chapter illustrates his experiences in the same manner in which he practiced fine portraiture. His work won him many awards and prestige from his peers who respected his sense of capturing the mystery and beauty of life in the moment. Jerry had many close friends with whom he remained in regular contact, growing older with them whilst still expressing a tender sense of care for them: among many, his best friends Mary Jo and John, Sal, and particularly his “adopted” brothers and sisters, Ron and Cher, Terry, and Paul with their beloved wives. Jerry also loved his many friends with whom he shared his humble abode, caring for them confidently even though he was struggling with his own illnesses. To say that Jerry loved many people would be an understatement. His life will forever be reflected in his portraiture as well as in the tall grass and the ones he loved. His legacy is passed on through his family and in those lives he touched. Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Shelley Martinchek; loving children Jeremy and Lindsey Martinchek, Z. G. and Molly Martinchek, Molly and Joshua Friederichs, and Michael and Suzie Martinchek; dear grandchildren, Ty, and Brayden Martinchek, Margaret and Michael Friederichs; sister and brother-in-law Judy and Gary Hunter and their children. He was proceeded in death by his parents. Memorial Mass will be held at a later date with location and details forthcoming. For information, please call Fischer Family Funeral Services at (989) 755-8277. To express your condolences, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com.

Gerald Arthur Martinchek

May 15, 1951 - December 6, 2023