Anastacio "Tacho" Martinez

Anastacio “Tacho” Martinez, age 49, of LaPorte, IN passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Tacho was born on June 10, 1976 in Morelia, Mich, Mexico to Anastacio Martinez Calderon and Morelia Angela Moreno Gomez. He studied computer technology and earned his Associate’s Degree to become a computer technologist. During his career in Mexico, Tacho was setting up computer systems and making repairs. When Anastacio moved to the United States, he worked at Miller Casting, Inc. in LaPorte for many years. Afterwards, he became everyone’s handyman. He could fix anything that you could ask about as he never said “no” to helping.

Tacho was a member of St. Joseph Church in LaPorte for at least 25 years. He enjoyed participating in the Stations of the Cross which was performed in the streets surrounding the church building. Tacho would often be seen leading the youth group and other actors in his part as the Centurion. He was also an active and proud member of the American Legion Post 400 in Fish Lake, IN for about 20 years. It was there that he discovered a passion for participating in “Chili Cook-Off” competitions. Armed with his best friend, Chuck Daniel, and an award-winning recipe, Tacho was often winning first place or if not- the people’s favorite!

Tacho had a passion for cooking. He was known to call his mother, his sisters-in-law, even watching numerous YouTube videos to improve his skills and build up his recipes. Tacho’s best dishes were always ribs, steaks, soups, and HOT salsas. He was addicted to spice and loved his food to be spicy hot. When the heat became too much, Tacho loved cooling down with a cold Miller Lite.

Tacho will be remembered as a friend to all who were lucky to meet him. He was always willing to help others and truly never said “no” to anyone! If you need help, Tacho is there! Tacho’s family and friends were at the center of his life, providing love and comfort and friendship to all. There is no one else like him. He will be missed deeply by all who knew him.

Tacho is survived by his wife: Kathy; children: Michael and Raegan; mother: Morelia; siblings: Salvador (Elizabeth), Maria Isabelle (Alejandro), Maria Rosario (Francisco), Victor Angel (Lucia), Jose Raul (Maria), Juan Carlos (Olivia), and Diana Amelia (Eusebio); sister-in-law: Maritza; parents-in-law: Ron and Shirley Richie; numerous beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and siblings-in-law; best friend: Chuck Daniel; dear coworker and friend: Luis Alvarez;and his beloved dogs: Penelope, Jasper, and his closest companion: Buddy.

Tacho is preceded in death by his father, Anastacio; his brother: Jose Manuel; good friend: Jeremy Daniel.

Family and friends may gather at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Service (602 Maple Ave., LaPorte) on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 2:00-7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. from St. Joseph Church (109 C Street, LaPorte) with prayers beginning at the funeral home at 10:45 a.m. Tacho will be laid to rest in Morelia, Mich, Mexico.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Martinez family. To make a donation please click here .