Terry Martinek , September 17, 1949 — July 23, 2018

Terry Martinek, 68, a resident of Berrien Springs, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, July 23, 2018. He died of complications following a surgical procedure. Terry was born on September 17, 1949, in Mitchell, South Dakota to Ernest and Roberta Grady Martinek.

He graduated from Mitchell High School in 1967 and went on to graduate from Dakota Wesleyan University. On February 19, 1977, he married Sandy Skancke. They had three sons: Preston “PJ” (Tonya), Andrew and Adam;… Read More » and three grandsons: Lane Martinek, Alex “AJ” Martinek and Xander, all of whom survive.

He is also survived by a brother, Greg Martinek (Nila). He was preceded in death by two brothers, David and Douglas; and a sister, Becky Martinek Rolfes. He was the assistant director for nearly 30 years at the Berrien County Juvenile Center.

He was a long-time member of the National Juvenile Detention Association and a past president of this national association. More importantly, he was a friend to many people and an example of courage in the face of many challenging health problems that confronted him over the past several years. At the Juvenile Center he had a very positive effect on the many residents and helped them make life changes.

Terry was very active in school and sports activities in Berrien Springs. For years he was in charge of the concession stands, both for outdoor and Parks and Rec activities and indoor sports at the high school. It was good food!

He was a hard-working member of the Shamrock Booster Club, a member of the Berrien Springs Parks and Rec Department. He helped build sets for Berrien Springs school plays. At Blossomtime he helped design and build the floats for Berrien Springs queens and was a part of the stage crew at local selection time and also at the Blossomtime Queens selection evening.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, August 2, at Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University. Visitation will be from 3-4 p.m., with a memorial service at 4 p.m. Online messages and memories may be shared at www. allredfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to a college fund for Terry’s three grandsons.

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