John F. Martinac, age 83, of 7028 0.85 Lane in Gladstone, passed away Thursday, August 17, 2017 in Green Bay, WI. He was born on January 22, 1934 in Escanaba, the son of Marko and Anna (Kirincich) Martinac. At the young age of two, his mother passed away leaving his sister, Ann, to raise John and his siblings.  John grew up in Escanaba and graduated from Escanaba High School in 1952. On July 13, 1954, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served until he was honorably discharged on June 6, 1956. After returning home from the service, John worked for Mead Paper Company until his retirement. He enjoyed anything to do with sports. John loved baseball and football, especially the Green Bay Packers where he was a season ticket holder. He also played fast pitch softball, and was an avid bowler, where he bowled a 300 game. John enjoyed pressing his luck at various casinos in the area. He was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, the American Legion, and the Mead 25 Year Club.

John F. Martinac is survived by 4 nephews, Joe Joran of Apple Valley, MN, Jim Joran of Bloomington, MN, John Blatnik of AZ, and Mike Klingbeil of AZ; 2 nieces, JoAnne Klingbeil of Australia, and Barb Joran of Escanaba; and close friends, John and Shirley Simmons, Ken Ozimac, Bill Lancour, Charlie Cretens, and Dave and Cory Duquette.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by sisters, Ann Joran, Helen Blatnik, and Mary Klingbeil; brothers, Joseph Martinac, and Michael “Butch” Martinac; and two infant siblings.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday, August 21, 2017 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Military Honors will take place at 11:30 a.m., Monday, in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel by the Delta County Veterans Council. Funeral services celebrating the life of John will follow at 12:30 p.m., Monday, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Escanaba with Father Rick Courier officiating. A luncheon will be served afterward in the church fellowship hall. Burial will take place in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. 

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