Charles J. Martinek

August 6, 1934 - December 8, 2021

Charles "Charlie" John Martinek, 87, of Essexville, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at the Sheffield Bay Assisted Living in Bay City due to complications from many years of dementia. Charlie was born in Gagetown on August 6, 1934, the son of Frank and Emilie (Svoboda) Martinek. He graduated from Cass City High School in 1953 and then went on to attend Northeastern School of Commerce in Bay City. Charlie proudly served in the United States Army, being primarily stationed in Germany from 1955 until his honorable discharge in 1957. He met the former Betty Bellinger while working at Jennison Hardware, and they were united in marriage on October 12, 1963. Their 57 years were blessed with one daughter, one son, and countless memories. Charlie worked at Dow Plastic Lined Pipe and then Dow Brands Bay City for many years until his retirement in 1996. He enjoyed fishing, watching sports on TV, listening to country/western music (all the Grand Old Opry classics), and BBQs with his family. To carry on his legacy, Charles leaves his loving wife, Betty, and their daughter, Dianne (Troy) Auman, of Bay City; grandsons, Jacob and Joshua Auman of Bay City; sister, Martha Parsons of Casa Grande, AZ; brother-in-law, Robert Bellinger, of Long Beach, CA, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to Charles’ parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Rodger D. Martinek; brothers, Stanley and George Martinek; sister, Dagmar Brown; brother-in-law, Gene Parsons; sister-in-law, Marlene Martinek; and father and mother-in-law, Roland and Lois Bellinger. Charlie’s family will be present to receive visitors on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, from 4:00 PM until Charlie’s 6:00 PM Funeral Ceremony at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 821 N. Pine Rd., between Ridge & Center. Reverend Jenaba Waggy will officiate. Private interment will take place in Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. Arrangements have been entrusted to Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 821 N. Pine Rd., between Ridge & Center. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.