Gary Lynn Martzke

He is preceded in death by his parents and survived by Laura (nee Bouck) Martzke, his loving wife of 48 years. Gary and Laurie, as he always called her, have a big and loving family including eldest son, Andrew Martzke (Heather) of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, son, Jason Martzke (Michele) of Winfield Illinois, daughter, Caitlin (Justin) Groeneveld of Wyoming, Michigan, and son, Ian Martzke of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Gary was the proud and loving grandpa to Eliza, Asher, Vanessa, and Violet Mae Groeneveld and Hannah, Sean, Violet Grace, Ruth, and Kenny Martzke. He is also survived by his brother, Richard (Tina) Martzke of Grand Ledge, Michigan; brothers-in-law Doug Bouck (Alison), Robert Bouck (Richard Wood), David Bouck (Kathy); and sister-in-law, Amy Mayhew (Tony); along with several nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

Gary graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1972. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University in 1976 and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan in 1980. He studied Family Medicine at the Grand Rapids Area Medical Education Center, completing his training in 1983. After many years of providing comprehensive and compassionate Family Medicine, Gary went back to Michigan State to pursue more training in Geriatric Medicine and offered loving and empathetic care to elderly patients and their families for several years at the Hauenstein Neuroscience Center through Trinity Health in Grand Rapids. Gary was known to be a wonderful physician, loved by his patients for his gentle and thoughtful nature and insightful care.

Gary was a loving and fun husband, father, and grandpa. He was happiest when he was at family gatherings and during trips of all kinds that usually included ice cream. He loved planning vacations and his family has many memories of all the fun of traveling with him. He and Laurie traveled often after retirement, enjoying every minute of their time together. Gary was an enthusiastic and thoughtful grandpa who loved to attend any event involving his grandchildren. His smiling face in the crowd is described as something they will miss since he was always their biggest fan.

Gary will always be remembered by his wife, Laurie, as a man of God who always put her and the family first, always did his best at any task, and approached everyone with kindness, thoughtfulness, and good humor. His memory will live on through his beautiful flower gardens, his love of music, stained glass pieces including lamps he made for each grandchild and all his other creations. Gary loved playing trumpet in several community bands, for the Salvation Army at Christmas with his grandchildren, and with family during loud, joyful gatherings. He was the heart of the family and is already greatly missed.

A celebration of Gary’s life will commence 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2026, with visitation prior from 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m., at Woodhaven Reformed Church, 3959 68th Street SW, Byron Center, MI 49315. The family welcomes memories and messages www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.