James A. Martinkus

Sunset came for James Allen Martinkus, 82, of Ladd, as he died on September 11, 2017 at Heartland Health Care Center in Henry.

Mass of Christian burial will be 1:00 PM Friday at Nativity of Our Lord in Spring Valley with Rev. Robert Spilman officiating. Visitation will be 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM Friday in the Hurst Funeral Home in Ladd.

Mr. Martinkus was born in La Salle on March 31, 1935 to James and Gertrude (Kaszynski) Martinkus. He grew up in the Illinois Valley. He is a graduate of Immaculate Conception Grade School, Hall High School, and the University of Iowa in Iowa City. He married Rita Louise Tanari on May 3, 1958 at St. Benedict’s Church in Ladd. Prior to his retirement in 1997, James was employed with GAB Business Services in La Salle.

James was an athlete and a man of music and song. He performed for many years in Barbershop Quartets, along with the Tumbleweed Trio and the Echoes Trio. He enjoyed singing with his family and playing his guitar. James also loved learning and continued by using his computer, eBooks from the library, and keeping up with the news and sports of the day. He also enjoyed creating photography and music CDs--collecting memories for his family and friends.

Mr. Martinkus was a member of the Royal Order of the Blue Goose, the Ladd Moose Lodge, the University of Iowa Alumnus, St. Benedict’s Church in Ladd and more recently Nativity of Our Lord in Spring Valley.

Mr. Martinkus is survived by his wife Rita of Ladd; two sons Mark J. Martinkus of Louisiana and Garrett F. (Jane) Martinkus of Snohomish, WA; granddaughters Savannah Lynn Martinkus and Chloe Elizabeth Martinkus; siblings R. Russell (Janice) Martinkus of Ashville, NC, Susan F. (Edward) Welgat of Kewanee, and Daniel D. (Margaret) Martinkus of Princeton; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister Beverly J. Synder and brother Gerald L. Martinkus.

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