William Martin

William K. Martin passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 30, 2007 at the age of 83. He was born on August 9, 1924 in Turners Falls, MA. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Norene (Stebner) Martin; three daughters Kathleen (Paul) Bellmore of DeWitt, Judith (William) Jopling of Devine, TX, and Patricia Martin of Grand Rapids; five grandchildren, Andrew (Amy) and Rebecca Bellmore of Lansing, David (Courtney) Bellmore of Aurora, IL, Megan and Brandon Jopling of Devine, TX; three great-grand daughters; one brother Robert (Jan) Martin of Ontario, Canada; one sister in law Patricia Stebner of Traverse City. Bill served in the Army during World War II. He received his bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University in 1952, and his master's degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1965. He retired from teaching sciences and coaching sports at Utica Community Schools in 1985; he also previously taught in the Empire, Onekama, and Almont Public Schools. He loved his retirement home in Forest Home Township, where he spent many hours working in the woods. He also enjoyed traveling the world, recreational vehicle camping, golfing, wood carving, participating in ski patrol and being an active member of Hope Lutheran Church in Bellaire. A viewing will be held for Bill on Saturday, September 1 from 4 to 8 pm at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. The funeral will take place on Sunday, September 2 at 1 pm at Hope Lutheran Church, with Pastor Raymond Parent officiating. A committal service will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Bellaire. Family and friends are asked to join a reception held at Hope Lutheran Church immediately following. His family will miss him and carry him in their hearts until we join him in eternal life. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Lutheran Church. Please sign our online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com