Michael Martin

Michael Martin, 69, passed away on August 1, 2025. A quiet and private man, Michael viewed the world through an engineer's lens. He was analytical, structured, and grounded in routine. He faced more than his share of challenges, but he leaned on his faith and his intellect to get him through.
Born on March 8, 1956, to Peter and Mary Tee, Michael was raised in a proudly Scottish and Catholic tradition, a foundation that remained important to him throughout his life. His belief in God helped him make sense of the world and sustained him during difficult times. He wasn't one to talk openly about his inner world, but he held strong convictions and a steady sense of purpose.
After graduating from Michigan Tech, Michael spent many years working in engineering roles at Dow, BASF, and a number of smaller companies, before finishing his career at Toyoda Gosei. His work was an extension of how he saw the world.
Though he didn't often show emotion outwardly, those who knew him understood that he felt things deeply and carried the weight of the world more than he let on. He was also a published author; someone who found expression and insight through the written word.
The love he had for his family-especially his grandchildren-shone through unmistakably. Joanne and Jackson O'Rourke brought out a side of him that was light, warm, and full of love. In their presence, he smiled more easily, laughed more freely, and came alive in ways that meant everything to those who saw it.
He is survived by his wife, Kimberlee Martin; his children Amanda (Tyler) Shelast and her mother Barb Parker, Megan (Tiernan) O'Rourke, and Zach McCrire; and his beloved grandchildren, Joanne and Jackson. He is also survived by his siblings: Jerry (Elaine), Joe (Laura), Jodi (Jim) Purdue, and Nancy (Dick McKeon) Martin, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Mary Tee.
Michael's life was layered and complex. He struggled, but he also loved fiercely and quietly. He will be remembered for the light he found in his grandchildren, for the strength of his convictions, and for the truths he offered through his writing and his faith.
Memorial Service from Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 340 North Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake (3 Blks. S. of Maple Rd.) Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Friends may visit from 4 - 8 PM Wednesday.
Contributions to Michigan Tech University in lieu flowers are appreciated. You may use the link below or checks can be made out to Michigan Tech Fund and mailed to: Michigan Tech University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931.