Martin Tamminga

Martin Tamminga, age 91, of Pleasant View in Ottawa, formerly from Itasca, Illinois, went home to be with his family on Friday, August 1st. He was born on October 15, 1933. He is survived by Robert Myers and Michael Kotars, his sons-in-law; three grandchildren, Samantha (Meyers) O'Farrell (Tim), Christine (Nicholas Petty), and Jonathon Martin Myers.

He was blessed to have five great-grandchildren who brought him great joy; Michael and LaNiyah Bryant, Sadie and Allison O'Farrell, and Poppy Freya Myers. Numerous nieces and nephews of mupltiple generations also survive their beloved uncle.

Marty was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Florence (Burgeson) Tamminga and his daughter Kathy Tamminga Myers both in 2001. Daughter Suzanne Tamminga Kotars followed in 2012.

Also preceding him were his parents, Martin and Elizabeth Tamminga and his siblings; Brothers and sisters-in-law, Louis and Alice Tamminga, Andrew (Bud) and Neil Tamminga, and John and Jean Tamminga. Sisters and brothers-in-law were Elizabeth (Betty) and Albert Noort and Anne and Richard Kooyenga.

Marty was born in Chicago, the youngest of six siblings, living in the suburb of Roseland and a member of the First Reformed Church of Roseland. He attended Kohn Elementary School and graduated from the Chicago Vocational High School in 1951. He was a meter reader before enlisting in the Army in 1953. He served his country for two years in the radar repair service and eight years as a reservist. His army buddies and friends called him "Tim" or "Tam", which stayed with him his whole life. Until retirement, Marty was employed with Illinois Bell Telephone Company. His personal vehicle license plate read "X FON MAN". In the years until her death, he lovingly cared for his wife in her battle with multiple sclerosis.

Marty loved his visits with family and friends, a homemade meal, a cold beer and pizza on a Saturday night, fish fries at the farm and especially photos of his great-grandchildren. Marty's last years at Pleasant View Lutheran Home provided him with loving care and friendship.

Per his request, no services will be held. Marty and Florence will be buried together privately September 12th at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

Marty donated to a group that trains dogs to aide people who have lost their sight. Because of his lifelong love of dogs, if one wishes, memorials may be given in his name with his gratitude to: GUIDING EYES FOR THE BLIND, 611 GRANITE SPRINGS RD., YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY 10598