Dr. Stephen Martin

Dr. Stephen R. Martin, D.D.S. (retired), of Cherokee Village, Arkansas, and formerly of Westmont, Illinois, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was 93 years old. A Catholic Mass of Christian Burial in honor of Stephen will be scheduled at a later date at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Cherokee Village, Arkansas.
Stephen was born on August 3, 1931, at Hinsdale Hospital in Hinsdale, Illinois. He was the cherished son of Theodore and Mary (nee Senffner) Martin of Downers Grove, Illinois. Stephen graduated from St. Patrick's High School in Chicago in 1948 before enlisting in the U.S. Navy at Great Lakes Naval Station in 1951. After his enlistment in the USN, becoming a corpsmen, he was later assigned to the US Marines and served during the Korean War until his discharge in 1955.
Stephen went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Lewis University and, later, his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree from Loyola University in Chicago. He married the love of his life, Elsie Kolesik, on June 17, 1961, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Downers Grove, Illinois.
A devoted dentist for over three decades, Stephen practiced in Lemont, Illinois, for 34 years. He also had a passion for teaching and served as an instructor at Loyola University School of Dentistry for several years before its closure in 1993. Stephen was deeply committed to his community and served as a trustee for the Village of Westmont. A dedicated member of his faith, Stephen was an active parishioner at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Westmont and a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus. He also gave back through his role as an adult leader and Treasurer for Boy Scout Troop #5 in Westmont.
Stephen was a man of integrity, kindness, and humor. Above all, he cherished his family and took great pride in being a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
He is survived by his youngest sister, Marianne Ward, as well as his four sons: Stephen R. II (Janet) of Amherst Junction, WI, Peter of Cherokee Village, AR, Theodore (Tanya Lane) of Mohave Valley, AZ, and Paul (Lynn) of Oswego, IL. He was also blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable joy.
Stephen was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elsie, his parents and his sisters, Evelyn Price and Leona (Dee Dee) Yoreck.
Stephen's legacy of service, devotion, and love for his family and community will be remembered by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
A memorial mass will be held at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Cherokee Village, Arkansas on Thursday, February 13th at 10:30 A.M.