William Alan "Bill" Martinusen

1944 - 2010

William "Bill" Alan Martinusen passed away Monday, December 20, 2010 at the age of 66, losing his battle with brain cancer.
He was born in Selma, CA on January 9, 1944. He grew up the youngest of 3 children on a ranch in Fresno, with a Fowler phone number, in the Caruthers school district. He graduated from Caruthers High in 1962, and completed a year of college at Cal Poly SLO.
He faithfully served his country as a member of the Army Reserve as part of the Transportation Division. At the rank of Master Sergeant, he retired with 24 "Good" Years of Service.
He began working for the Telephone Company, Pacific Bell, in June of 1965 and retired in February of 1995.
He was active in coaching several of his children's sports activities. For more than 20 years, he was secretary of his Thursday night Scratch bowling league, with one 300 game to his name, and a close 298. In most recent years, he enjoyed and had success in trap shooting with his brother Gil, both winning several awards for marksmanship. A member of the Amateur Trap Shooting Association, Bill very much enjoyed working at the Kingsburg Gun Club, helping to set up the trap houses for target practice, as well as the preparations for the yearly California State Shoot.
He enjoyed RVing with his wife and "trailer trash" friends & family, often trying to figure who the best brother-in-law was, "Louie?" He was always ready to help out, tool kit in hand, whenever needed. One could always tell he was intent and working super hard by the sweat rolling off the tip of his nose.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents John and Ella, and brother, Walter Martinusen.
He is survived by his loving wife of 42 Years, Marian; daughter, Leann; son, Paul and wife Kim; and three grandchildren, Karlee, Krissy and Jeremy; brother, Gilbert and wife Sandie; sister-in-law, Janet; brothers and sisters-in-law Roland and Lucille Kreps and Roger and Lynn Starrett.
A celebration of Bill's life will be held on Tuesday, December 28th, 2010, at 11:00 am at the People's Funeral Chapel, 501 N. Douty St, Hanford, CA.
In lieu of flowers, friends who wish, may contribute in Bill's name to Adam Klein, Research Assistant, University of California San Francisco. 185 Berry Street, Suite 3715. San Francisco, CA 94107 or Kingsburg Gun Club Scholarship Program, c/o Bret Belknap, P. 0. Box 4, Kingsburg, CA 93631.
Condolences may be made at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com.
Arrangements entrusted to People's Funeral Chapel, 501 N. Douty St., Hanford, CA 93230 (559) 584-5591.