Gerald Martinchek
May 15, 1951 - December 06, 2023
Obituary
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.
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.
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Memories
TC
Tim Calloway
Other •
Jerry photographed my wedding in March, 1976, and I went on to work as his assistant for the next year. I learned a lot from Jerry, and had a career as a wedding photographer. The first wedding we did together was on May 15, 1976. Jerry's birthday, my birthday, and the groom's birthday! Tim Calloway
SD
Suzi DePrekel-Keiser
Other •
Jerry was one of the nicest, most caring person I've known. He will be missed.
JC
Joyce Clark
Other •
Shelley and family, Jerry was a very special man that gave so much to many people. His struggle with his health is awe inspiring, never complaining and always looking for the good in his situation and in others. We could never have a short conversation. It seemed like we always had so much to share with each other. I believe he is looking down on all of us especially on his family that he loved so much and was so proud of all of you. Rest in peace my friend. Joyce Clark
JM
John Murdick
Other •
I just learned of Jerry's passing. This is very sad news indeed. I got to know Jerry (a little bit) when I was a teacher at SFX in Petoskey. I knew him to be one of the kindest and most devout Catholic men I've known. He lived as Christ asked us to live. His goodness and kindness were passed on to his children whom I had the privilege to have as students (Zach and Molly). I pray for God's Peace to fill your hearts during this most sad time.
RF
Rick Fowler
Other •
Jerry and I shared some fun times working on our high school newspaper and then again at the Petoskey News Review. He was always good for a laugh and a solid listening post. His talent as a photographer was well known, but his sincerity and caring nature were even more evident. My condolences to Shelly and his children.