On the morning of May 28, 2024, Martin Shimek passed away after a valiant battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Pauline Kim and son Kurt.
Martin was born in Hazen, Arkansas on October 21, 1936. He was the third of four children by parents Paul and Genevieve Shimek. He graduated from Hazen High School in 1954 and immediately enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) at age 18. After four years he took a break and attended the University of Arkansas, graduating in 1962. Martin’s true calling was to serve his country as a Marine and in 1962 he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the USMC.
Martin was a long distance runner in college and honed his skill running the ridges of the Ozark Mountains. In 1963 the Marine Corps held an official 50 mile hike, with the Marines marching in helmets and 25 pound packs, as part of President Kennedy’s national fitness program. Martin distinguished himself by setting a new Corps record with the shortest Marine time of 9 hours and 53 minutes, but he took only 24 hours of the allotted three days to do it. A picture of him nursing a giant heel blister during his 10 hour rest period as well as his record time was covered by national news.
Martin’s years in the Marine Corps involved assignments in varied states and overseas.
His primary service was as an infantry officer and as special court martial legal officer. While in Vietnam he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat Valor and the Combat Action Ribbon. After Vietnam Martin and his then wife were sent to Hawaii where his son Kurt was born. Hawaii was followed by an unaccompanied tour in Okinawa, Japan where, coincidentally, his brother John and family were also stationed-an unusual but welcomed situation for two family members. Martin completed his military career at Camp Pendelton, CA as Commanding Officer of 2nd Battalion US Marines. He retired in March 1978.
As a civilian, Martin’s quest for adventure lead him to live in several cities in California and Nevada. He traveled to Guadalajara for six months while living with a local family to learn Spanish and immerse himself in local culture. Martin was surprisingly successful as a kindergarten teacher; sold real estate with equal success; and became a day trader in stocks. One of his most successful ventures was meeting Kim, the love of his life. They married in 2015.
In addition to his wife and son, Martin is survived by brothers Paul and John (Diane), sister Frances Dorough, several nieces and nephews, and numerous friends.
A viewing for Martin will be held Friday, June 7, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Funeraria del Angel Bellflower, 10333 Alondra Blvd, Bellflower, CA 90706. A funeral service will occur Friday, June 7, 2024 at 5:00 PM, 10333 Alondra Blvd, Bellflower, CA 90706. Military honors will occur Friday, June 7, 2024 at 5:45 PM, 10333 Alondra Blvd, Bellflower, CA 90706.
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