Alvin Wayne Martz's Obituary
Big Rapids - Alvin Wayne Martz, 87, of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends on March 12, 2015. Alvin (Al) was born April 2, 1927 in Stanwood, the son of Harvey and Dorothea (Bush) Martz, the middle child between his two sisters, Lois and Avis. In 1944, Al graduated from Big Rapids High School, and then joined the US Army. He served as a corporal in Austria during World War II. Several years after his return from the military, Al met his wife Katherine Kay Winter, (Katie) in Big Rapids, and they were married June 3, 1955. In 1959 they moved to Fairbanks, Alaska where they raised their 5 children. Al was skilled at carpentry, which became his career, but he also built and remodeled his own and other's homes throughout his life. Al and his family enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, boating and numerous other outdoor activities including time spent at their family cabin. Al led his family through numerous lifetime adventures with strength, humor, encouraging words, and great creativity, (creativity usually being needed to get back home). Besides his enjoyment in the outdoors, Al's love of his wife Katie and his family, plus his faith in God were visible and evident in all he did. Al and Katie returned to their hometown of Big Rapids in 1995 where they've continued their fellowship in their church, St. Peter's Lutheran, and their community. They've hosted many gatherings at Katie's family farm and the traditions continue with love and laugher. Al's strength of character, humor, compassion, and kindness, even in the face of adversity, has left a lasting impression on all he's known and loved. Al is survived by his wife Katie; their five children, Scott (Andrea) of Fairbanks, Linea Laird (Mike) of Bremerton, WA, Amy Hunt (Tim) of Fairbanks, John (Susie) of Big Rapids, and Bill (Jane) of Anchorage, AK; eighteen grandchildren, Michael Martz (Marissa), Abigail Bazan (Ryan), and Hassan Voorhees; Erin, Kristin, and Colin Laird; Nathan Hunt (Micky), Joshua Hunt, and Bridget Martz; Logan, Reagan, Wyatt, Ashton Martz and Courtney Sanford (Nic); and are further blessed with seven great grandchildren. Al has many surviving extended family members including his sister Avis Batchelder; brother and sisters-in-laws; Dick and Sara Mursch, Frank & Monai Winter, Ellen Murphy, Donalyn Winter, Gene and Diane Bongard, and Steve and Cheryl Winter; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Lois Jacobson. A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 17, 2015, at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Big Rapids, with Pastor John Bookshaw officiating. Visitation with the family will be held at the church from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to St. Peters Lutheran Church School Scholarship Fund.
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