1948
2017
Frederick "Fritz" A. Martin, 68, of Columbia City, passed away at 5:10 p.m. Saturday, July 15, 2017 at his home. Born Aug. 14, 1948 in Noble County, Ind., he was the son of Paul F. and Colleen M. (Schipper) Martin.
He was a lifetime resident of Whitley County. He graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the Class of 1966. Fritz served with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1974. On May 31, 1975, he married Jacqueline S. DeKoninck at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church.
He first worked with his parents and later co-owned with his brother, Culligan Water Conditioning in Columbia City for a combined 30 years; he was an EMT with 28 years of service with Whitley County EMS. He was currently employed with Parkview Whitley Hospital as a registrar and E.D. Clerk since 2000. Fritz volunteered for more than 30 years with the Columbia City Volunteer Fire Department and was honored in 2004 with lifetime status.
He was a lifetime member of EAA, Experimental Aircraft Association and the VAA, Vintage Aircraft Association. He was a past president of the Columbia City Rotary Club and past Columbia City Old Settlers Day President in 2008. He also annually attended and was a volunteer at the Oshkosh Air Venture in Oshkosh, Wis.
Survivors include his loving wife of 42 years, Jackie Martin; sons, Sean (Christa) Martin, of Columbia City, and Chad (Carrie) Martin, of Fort Wayne; sisters, Becky (Larry) Walter, of Columbia City, and Sara (Paul) Gasiorowski, of Greenwood; brother, Bryan Martin, of Columbia City; and three grandchildren, Liam, Elise and Gabby Martin.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Cameron Martin.
Visitation is from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 19 and from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday, July 20 both at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City. The funeral service is at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with Sharon Brockhaus, certified funeral celebrant, officiating. Burial to follow at Greenhill Cemetery with graveside military rites provided by the Whitley County Korean War Veteran's Honor Guard.
Memorials may be given in memory of Fritz's to the VAA Chapter 37, designated to "Young Eagles Fund," 1521 E. MacGregor Dr., New Haven, Ind., 46774 or the Community Foundation of Whitley County. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences online.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home.
3 Entries
So many fun memories of good times with you, Fritz, Nancy and Carl. He was a wonderful guy.... Take care of yourself, Jack. I love you.....
Jacki Moore
Friend
July 18, 2017
Sending prayers for comfort for. You and your family.
cindy (paunovich) sharkey
July 18, 2017
So sorry to hear this. Fritz was a great guy who will be missed dearly
Sincerely, Tami
Tami Plew
Friend
July 17, 2017
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DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home600 Countryside Dr, Columbia City, IN 46725
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DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home600 Countryside Dr, Columbia City, IN 46725
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DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home600 Countryside Dr, Columbia City, IN 46725
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