Martin Valentine

Martin Valentine Martin Valentine, 86, of Atlanta, passed away on August 25, 2010 at his residence. He was born on May 11, 1924 to Alonzo and Bertha (Geister) Valentine in Briley Twp, MI. He lived all of his life in Atlanta, graduating from Atlanta High School in 1943. He married the former Leona Potter on November 26, 1946 in Gaylord, MI, celebrating nearly 64 years of marriage together. He served his country in the US Army during WWII, serving in the European Theatre and was at the Battle of the Bulge, Omaha Beach, and the second day of Normandy. Martin worked as a mail carrier for 42 years. He was on the Briley Twp Board of Review for 23 yrs, having just resigned this spring; was a little league coach for 8 yrs; was on the Atlanta Community Schools Board of Education for 8yrs; and was on the Montmorency County Fair Board for 40 yrs, 20 of them as president. He was an active member of Big Rock Congregational Church and held various offices there over the years. Martin enjoyed woodworking, especially refinishing old furniture, and collecting old tools, he found most of the antique tools that are displayed at the Montmorency County Fairgrounds. He was a huge AHS sports fan, he has attended thousands of games over the years. He enjoyed spending time in his yard with his garden and flowers, he always kept himself busy. Martin is survived by his wife, Leona; sons, Ernie (Lil Gwizdala) Valentine, and Larry (Pam) Valentine both of Atlanta, MI; daughter, Sheryl (Steve) Wright of Lachine, MI; grandchildren, Mason (Ashley) Valentine, TecSgt Mitchell (TecSgt Nicole) Valentine, Tyler Wright, McKenzie Wright, Carla (Andrew) Nickodemus, and Marlee Valentine; great grandchildren, Brennen, Gavin, Cassidy, Gabrielle, and Emerson; special nieces and nephew, Bonnie Flynn, Betty Whitmire, and Bob Brooks, and numerous other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Homer Valentine, Irene Weaver, Clare Valentine, Helen Forstner, Velma Toth, Lettie Manier, Ben Valentine, Grant Valentine, and Ernie Valentine. Funeral services for Mr Valentine will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 2:00 PM at the Big Rock Congregational Church in Atlanta, Pastor Dennis Boonstra and Pastor Ed Ross officiating. Visitation hours will be held on Friday from 4-8PM at the Green Funeral Home, Atlanta, and on Saturday from 1:00 until time of service. Interment will take place at Briley Twp Cemetery. The family has suggested memorials to the Big Rock Congregational Church.
Martin is survived by his wife, Leona; sons, Ernie (Lil Gwizdala) Valentine, and Larry (Pam) Valentine both of Atlanta, MI; daughter, Sheryl (Steve) Wright of Lachine, MI; grandchildren, Mason (Ashley) Valentine, TecSgt Mitchell (TecSgt Nicole) Valentine, Tyler Wright, McKenzie Wright, Carla (Andrew) Nickodemus, and Marlee Valentine; great grandchildren, Brennen, Gavin, Cassidy, Gabrielle, and Emerson; special nieces and nephew, Bonnie Flynn, Betty Whitmire, and Bob Brooks, and numerous other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Homer Valentine, Irene Weaver, Clare Valentine, Helen Forstner, Velma Toth, Lettie Manier, Ben Valentine, Grant Valentine, and Ernie Valentine.
Funeral services for Mr Valentine will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 2:00 PM at the Big Rock Congregational Church in Atlanta, Pastor Dennis Boonstra and Pastor Ed Ross officiating. Visitation hours will be held on Friday from 4-8PM at the Green Funeral Home, Atlanta, and on Saturday from 1:00 until time of service. Interment will take place at Briley Twp Cemetery. The family has suggested memorials to the Big Rock Congregational Church.