Victor Frank Martinchek

Victor Frank Martinchek passed into the arms of His Savior on August 18, 2025, at Blissful Cottage in Petoskey, Michigan. Born on January 11, 1930, he was the son of Joseph and Anna (Bleha) Martinchek.

He grew up on a dairy farm in Bay Shore where he milked, processed, and delivered their products to homes in the Petoskey area as Martinchek’s Richland Dairy.

At 24, he was drafted into the army where he served two years in Germany. Upon leaving the army, Vic returned to the farm.

For almost 38 years, he was a volunteer fireman for the Resort-Bear Creek Fire Department.

When the dairy closed in 1970, Vic turned to one of his passions, woodworking and carpentry. During his early “building” career, he hosted two concerts on his 40 acres to support the fledging Grain Train Co-op in Petoskey. These concerts later morphed into what’s now Blissfest.

Vic used his talents in many ways, not the least of which was set building. He helped Boyne City High School drama department for several years, helped build the Titanic for a production at Bay View, and many years creating sets at his church for kid’s Christmas programs and Community Cantatas.

He was an avid classic car buff collecting twelve classics and attending car shows throughout the area for years.

One of the highlights of his life was participating in the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight last fall where they visited 11 memorial sites. His son, Doug, served as his guardian.

He leaves behind his wife Kathleen (Crawford) Martinchek; children Frank (Sue Horniman), Jil (Carl Brien) and Douglas (Lori Warner) and stepson Aaron Beishlag. His five adult grandchildren Nicholas, Jason, Courtney, Brandon, and Andrew; great-grandchildren Autumn Martinchek and Henry Leestma; as well as many nieces and nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his siblings Joseph, Edith, Art, Oscar, Grant and Gladys; as well as several nieces and nephews; and the mother of his children Janice (Bailey) Martinchek Mayhew.

There will be a visitation on August 29, 2025, at Community Reformed Church (109 Elm St, Charlevoix, MI 49720) from 5-7:00 p.m. and again on August 30, 2025, from 10-11:00 a.m. immediately followed by the memorial service officiated by Pastor Chris Maki at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Community Reformed Church and McLaren Health Management (Hospice).

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