Melvin V. Martinek, 88, died Tuesday, December 20th at his home in
Garden City, KS. He was born February 18th, 1934, in Silver Lake,
Kansas, the son of Vince and Mary (Dvorak) Martinek.
He grew up on a farm and held the highest regard for farmers and
agriculture. After graduating from Silver Lake High School in 1952, Mel
spent time in New Mexico working in an ore mine and awaiting his name
to be called for the draft. He went through training at Fort Knox and
served in the Army National Guard from 1957 to 1963. Mel received a
Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State
University in 1961. He accepted a job with Metropolitan Life Insurance
Company as an Ag Investments Consultant that he kept until he retired in
1999. Mel lived in St. Joe, Mo., Silver Lake, Manhattan, Colby and
Garden City KS. Proud of his Czech heritage, Mel loved polka dancing
and kolaches. He was known for his wise counsel, financial knowledge,
green thumb and love for his KSU Wildcats.
Mel’s faith was a cornerstone in his life. He was on the church board,
attended Sunday school and participated in Bible studies. He valued
volunteerism and served in countless ways in the church and community.
He was member of the Shriners, Masonic Lodge, and the Garden City Zoo
Board.
On July 27th, 1969, he married the love of his life, Leah Hudson, in
Colby KS. They were married 53 years and enjoyed a lifetime of love,
dancing and world travel. She survives.
Other survivors include two daughters, Melany & husband Mark Rude of Garden City, KS
and Melinda & husband Barry Smith of Fort Collins CO, and his
sister Marjorie McDaniel of Rossville KS. Mel had five grandchildren:
Noah Rude & Wife Valery, Caleb Rude, Caitlyn Rude, Jack Smith and
Charlie Smith, and one great-grandson, Ezra Rude. Mel is preceded in
death by his parents and brother, Marvin Martinek.
A celebration of Mel’s life will be held at 3:00 on Friday, December
23rd, at Turning Point Church of the Nazarene, Garden City, with Rev.
Nathan Haeck officiating. There will be time to visit with family
immediately following the service. The family suggests memorials to
Turning Point Church of the Nazarene.