Name: Visitation for Joseph G. Martyka
Start: 2018-03-14T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-03-15T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Baskerville Funeral Home - Wilmington

Joseph G. Martyka

Born: January 23, 1936; in Chicago, IL

Died: March 9, 2018; in Joliet, IL

Joseph G. Martyka, 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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Herald-News on Mar. 13, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Martyka

Sponsored by Baskerville Funeral Home - Wilmington.

7 Entries

Bernadine Zalumsky

March 16, 2018

On behalf of the Marchewka family, we are so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He was always a pleasure to see at family events, especially our family picnics. We will miss him.

Antoinette Wicburg

March 16, 2018

Celia...sorry to hear that your brother passed away...you are in my prayers...may he rest in peace

March 16, 2018

Dear Martyka Children,

Please accept my condolences on the passing of your father. I first met your Joe when he and your mom visited with baby Jeffrey in their arms. Later there were many visits as our families grew. As you grieve you loss, take comfort in your cherished memories.

Janice Noruk
St. Paul, MN

Claudette Lesiak

March 13, 2018

So sorry to hear about your dad. Your mom + I go back to grade and high school (St. Bruno and St Joseph) Sometimes we would walk all the way home.Many times, we would walk on our lunch to Goldblatts store and have pie. We had lots of fun. I only went for 1 yr. and transferred to Lourdes. I was sad to hear she passed away awhile ago. She and your dad were old Polonia Grove dancers. She Loved him so much. Your dad was a great and gentle man. I knew your mom more, and her family(Chesdans)The picture of your dad shows he looked frail and I'm sure he missed your mom so much. Now they will be together. Again, so sorry for your loss. Prayers go out to you all and your families.

Nancy Cafarelli

March 13, 2018

God bless you, Joe. Prayers for all family. He is with his love now.

Mark Quinn

March 13, 2018

To Brother Tim Smyth, CFC
Sorry to hear about your brother-in-law's
demise. From the obituary it sounds as if
he had a full life. I'm sure he will be missed. I'll remember him at Mass on Thursday morning.
Mark Quinn

Rick Kos

March 12, 2018

A long time has gone by since we first met , Love to You & your family . BYE Baker

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