Michael (Mike) Lee Martinek

Michael (Mike) Lee Martinek passed away Saturday, March 25, 2023 at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, IL. He was the middle son of Stephen and Lana Martinek of Chillicothe, Il. Michael was born on October 31, 1978, at 7:30 pm at St Joseph Hospital in St. Charles, MO. He was our Halloween baby born with bright red hair and blue eyes. In fact, he only baby born that day in the hospital!

Michael is survived by two children, Kayelee and Hayden in Troy, Mo. His parents Stephen L. and Lana K Martinek (Chillicothe, IL); two brothers, Jason Patrick (Dunlap, IL) and Corey Eugene (Edelstein, IL) with his wife Stephanie Marie; and one sister, Stephanie Kaye Blair (Peoria, Il) with her husband Bracey Cam Blair; one sister-in-law Angela Martinek (Decatur, IL); 10 nieces and nephews, Lily, Emma, Chloe, Mason, David, Mavrick, Stephen Peter, Ezra, Poppy, and Emerson. Along with many uncles, aunts, and cousins. Michael is preceded in death by both of this paternal and maternal grandparents, Stanley E., and Verla M. Martinek (Hawk Point, MO), and David L. and Mabel I. Peecher (Pittsfield, IL).

Growing up, Michael was very active in Scouting. He went through all the ranks of Cub Scouts, into Boy Scouts, and Explorer Scouts. While he lived in the Carolina's, he got to spend the night onboard the aircraft carrier Yorktown in Charleston Bay. He was with his brother, Jason, and Dad, and he roamed the whole ship. One major event with the Explorers was the boundary water canoe trip up by Canada. He had to portage (carry a canoe) between several lakes. He even had a bear experience!

While in high school, Mike attend K-9 meetings at the Peoria Sheriff's department on Sunday evenings and helped with crowd control for events in Peoria. Mike was athletic in his younger years playing soccer, Tee ball, and Might Might football. As a teenager, Mike enjoyed working at movie theaters, hanging out with his friends, skateboarding, and learning how to drive a stick shift truck.

After graduating from Illinois Valley Central (IVC) High School in Chillicothe, IL in 1997, he joined the Navy and became a Ships Serviceman stationed in San Diego, California. During his service, he traveled around the Pacific Ocean on two six-month deployments onboard the USS Elliot DD-967 and got to see many ports of call. He loved his time traveling and seeing the world. Mike reminisced about riding horses on the beach in Australia, drinking beer in Asia, and experiencing many other adventures. When he got home, he told his mom he learned how to do his laundry the Navy way. On the ship there were only two buttons to use – Whites or Colors! The machine did all the rest.

After his 4-year tour with the Navy, Mike went to Illinois Community College (ICC) in East Peoria and began studying mass communication, eventually transferring to Illinois State University (ISU) in Bloomington/Normal. He worked part time at a local country radio station to gain experience where he really enjoyed getting to host events and shows.

Mike also joined the Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 26 (SEABEES) reserve unit in Bartonville, IL. During advanced operator training in Gulfport, MS, he learned how to operate tractor scrapers, bulldozer, motor graders, forklifts, semi-trailer, and dump trucks. He really enjoyed getting to play on equipment and have fun with his unit on the weekends and summers. Unfortunately, the Iraqi war intervened, and Mike was called up to active duty and deployed for 10 months for Iraqi Freedom. Mike spent most of the time on the island of Crete building a fueling station. However, he did see 2 weeks of combat stationed at the Baghdad, Iraqi airport where they were assigned to assist in the rebuilding of the airport. During this time, Mike lost some his squad assigned to him. Unfortunately, this experience stayed with him until the end of time.

Upon returning home, Mike started a new occupation in truck driving for Airland Transport and Cox Transfer. He did this for 8 years in the Peoria, IL area where he later was married and had two children. In the fall of 2014, he moved his family to Troy, Missouri where he worked at Hansen’s Tree Service driving a dump semi trailer and moving equipment. Mike always considered this area home, which was rich in family roots, since he was a small boy. He would tell everyone he was home.

In March of 2019, he moved back to the Peoria area to be close to his immediate family. He accomplished a life goal of completing an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice that December, graduating with Honors.

Michael was a very kind, loving, caring man who was always willing to help wherever and whoever needed it. Mike’s life was the Navy. You ask him anything about Navy ships or Navy museums, and he could tell you everything about them. He dreamed of one day working at a Navy Museum and living near the ocean again.

Mike enjoyed spending time with his dog, Abby, being the fun “Uncle Mikey” with his nieces and nephews, playing video games, and watching movies. But most of all, he loved and lived for his children. Michael was loved very much by his family and will be missed!

Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial visitation for Michael will be held Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM with Mass at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 412 N. Center St., Lacon, IL 61540. A final resting place will occur at Saint Mary's Catholic Cemetery, 458 Main Street, Hawk Point, MO.

Memorials may be made to the church or Freedom Paws Service Dogs Foundation at https://www.freedompawsservicedogs.org/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com for the Martinek family.