Joseph Martyka

1936 - 2018

Age 82 of Wilmington and formerly of Chicago, passed away Friday evening, March 9, 2018 at Our Lady of Angels in Joliet. Born January 23, 1936 in Chicago, Joseph George was a son of George and Sophie (nee Krzysiak) Martyka. He was raised and educated in the "back of the yards" of Chicago and graduated from Gage Park High School. After high school, Joseph went on to honorably serve in the United States Navy for 28 years. During his time of enlistment Joseph served during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, retiring in 1981 as an AE2. Joseph married Laureen H. Smyth in St. Basil Catholic Church in Chicago, where they made their home and raised their family until moving to Wilmington in 1973. Aside from being dedicated to his family and country, Joseph worked for Western Electric/AT&T for 42 years as an electrician up until his retirement. He was also a loyal parishioner of St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington and his many interests included international travel, airplanes, genealogy work and being an expert "laminator". Survivors include his four children: Jeff (Claudia) Martyka, David (Kathleen) Martyka, Merry Jo Martyka and Scott (Nancylee) Martyka; eight grandchildren: Brandi, Jeremy, Justin (Sharra), Samuel, Maxwell, Royce, Nicholas and Marissa; sister: Cecilia (the late Raymond) Tynus; brother: Edward (Dorothy) Martyka; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Brother Gregory Timothy Smyth, CFC, Cathy Rimkus and Gloria (Bob) Pluta, and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as dear friends Donald and Janet Lund. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 47 years, Laureen on December 26, 2008 and sister: Wanda (Edward) Powroznik. Visitation and video tribute will be held Wednesday, March 14, 2018 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington. Funeral services will follow Thursday morning March 15, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Rose Catholic Church (604 S. Kankakee Street) in Wilmington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Sebastian Gargol presiding. Burial with full military honors will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood. Family and friends may sign the online guest book, upload photographs, or share Joseph's memorial page by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.