Emmlie Martinic

Emmlie Martinic, 90, of St. Joseph, MI died at her home on Saturday, January 22, 2011. Arrangements have been entrusted with Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home of St. Joseph, MI. Emmlie was born on January 5, 1921 in Cicero, IL to Jacob and Frances (Burghardt) Kapuga. On October 12, 1940, she married Thomas Martinic, Sr. After their marriage, they moved to South Bend, IN, and later owned and worked a fruit and vegetable farm in Eau Claire. Emmlie loved the farm and lived there for over 70 years. She then moved to St. Joseph where she lived for the last 10 years. She was a member of St. John/Bernard Church, and helped with many functions there. Emmlie was a cheerful volunteer for the Red Cross and for Berrien General Hospital where she brought smiles to everyone. Most of all she loved her family and going out to dances with her friends. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. Emmlie is survived by her children, Lee Ann Zacha of Littleton, CO, Thomas(Ruth)Martinic of Cadillac, MI, Jack(Laura)Martinic of Granger, IN, and William(the late Susan)Martinic of Fremont, OH; 14 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and a brother, Jacob Kapuga of Jackson, MI. Emmlie is preceded by her parents-Jacob and Frances, and her husband-Thomas. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 26, 10:00 am at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 555 Delaware St. Benton Harbor, MI, with Father William Jacobs, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Benton Harbor, MI. Visitation is on Tuesday, January 25, from 4:00-8:00 pm, with a Rosary at 7:00 pm, at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice At Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI. Friends wishing to leave a message of condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.