Walter F. Martineau, Jr.

Walter Francis Martineau, Jr.

11/22/1928 - 3/23/2018

Walter was born in Syracuse, NY. Walter was a star athlete. He played sports at Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse, NY (basketball 4, baseball 4, golf 3). He also played basketball at St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, NY in 1947.

Walter proudly served his country in the Korean War in Co. E, 2nd Battalion, 24th Infantry in the Army. His contribution to safeguard the Republic of Korea and uphold democracy in the world were honorable. Walter was injured on October 27, 1951 and underwent surgery in Fort Belvoir, VA. In 2006, Walter underwent surgery which allowed him to discontinue wearing the brace he had worn for 55 years due to his wartime injury. He is the recipient of eleven honors including the Purple Heart Medal.

Work history: Royal Globe Ins. Co. (Cleveland, OH) 1953 - 1955; Phoenix of London, Ins. Co. (Akron, OH) 1955 - 1958; National Union Ins. Co. (Toledo, OH and Cleveland, OH) 1958 - 1962; Graham-Fine Uns. Agcy. (Toledo, OH) 1962 - 1970; Senn Martineau Ins. Agcy. (Toledo, OH) 1970 - 1990; Martineau, Miller, Bellg Ins. Agcy. (Toledo, OH) 1990 - 1994.

Awards: U.S. Insignia, Combat Medical Badge, Medical Corps Insignia, Purple Heart Medal, Korean Service Medal with Bronze Combat Star, United Nations Service Medal, Korean President Unit Citation, American President Citation with Oak Leaf Cluster, 5th Regimental Combat Team Patch, 24th Infantry Division Patch, National Defense Service Medal.

Walter and his wife, Merreck "Ricki", moved to Ohio and had five children. He and his wife taught their children about love of family, love of country, and the value of education. Walter worked in the insurance industry and retired from Martineau, Miller, Bellg in Toledo, OH in 1994. He was a generous and compassionate man who lived life to the fullest.

Walter was a wonderful storyteller and regaled family and friends with many a funny story or joke. He lit up a room and possessed a positive outlook on life. Walter enjoyed his retirement on Gilead Lake in Bronson, MI. Walt was a master woodworker and refinisher of furniture. His prized retirement possession was a red Ford pick-up truck.

Walter was predeceased by his loving wife, Merreck (Voyer) Martineau; his parents, Helen and Walter F. Martineau, Sr., and his brother, John Martineau. He is survived by his brothers, James P. Martineau (Arlene) and Paul Martineau (Betty, deceased). Walter is also survived by his children, Walter F. Martineau, III (Linda), Catherine Martineau (Russell Ely), Tricia Martineau Wagner (Mark Wagner), Dennis Martineau (Dorothy Walters), and Beth Martineau White and his companion, Lois Holmes. Walter has eight grandchildren, Scott (Sarah) Martineau, Brittany Martineau, Douglas Ely, Gregory Ely, Kelsey Wagner, Mitchell Wagner, Emily Gromacki (Erik), and Lydia White.

Visitation Tuesday, March 27 from 2-8 p.m. at Thomas I. Wisniewski Funeral Home, 2426 N. Reynolds Rd.

We would like to thank Lois Holmes, Walt's good friend and fellow furniture finisher for the last twenty years. He appreciated and treasured her companionship. 

In lieu of flowers, the family request any memorials to be made to: Hospice of Sturgis at https://www.sturgishospital.com/homehealth_hospice_form.php.

www.wisniewskifuneral.net
 

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