Donald R. Martinus, 81
Donald R. Martinus went to be with the Lord when he passed suddenly, but peacefully at home on Sept. 23, 2020.
He was born Feb. 8, 1939, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Henry J. and Margaret L. Martinus (Chojnacki). He grew up in Grand Rapids and joined the Army Reserves while he was a senior at Union High School. After graduating on June 6, 1957, he was on a train bound for San Antonio, Texas, for basic training in the U.S. Air Force. His first assignment was to a remote site in Tatalina, Alaska, the 717th ACW Radar Station. Alaska was not yet a state at that time. After a year in Alaska, his next assignment was the 1904 AACS Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force base in Great Falls. He spent the next two years there and upon discharge, returned to Grand Rapids and worked for Victor Business Machines for five years before enrolling in Grand Rapids Junior College.
On Dec. 28, 1963, he married Sally Ann Williams from Red Lodge and to this union two children were born, Simeon J. “Sam” Martinus and Sonja A. Martinus (Nelson). When vacationing in Montana, Don was offered a job with Continental Pipeline as an instrument technician. After being involved in a near fatal hydrogen sulfide mishap, Don looked for a different vocation and around the corner was just the right one, an opening in the National Park Service as an electronic mechanic. So in the fall of 1969, he and his family moved to Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park. A year later, they were on their way to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park where Don was the new electronic technician with the opportunity to design, staff and operate a completely new electronic/radio shop. In July of 1972, Don accepted a position as communication specialist in Glacier National Park and remained there for the next 35 years, retiring after 42 years of government service in 2007.
Don was faithful, dedicated, conscientious and knowledgeable in his craft. He traveled many miles from the west to the east side of Glacier in winter and summer. Modes of transportation included his radio truck, horse, foot, snowmobile, helicopter and boat. (He also survived a helicopter crash on Swiftcurrent Lookout and walked away). Don also served on the board of Desert Mountain TV where he helped to upgrade, service and maintain the canyon’s TV translators for 35 years.
In his retirement, he discovered a joy for reading, had more time to enjoy music and participated more in church where he attended services regularly and served on the council and as an elder and president.
He was preceded in death by this father, mother, and infant sister, as well as many uncles, aunts and cousins.
He is survived by his wife, Sally (of nearly 57 years); son, Sam; daughter, Sonja; son-in-law, Tom Nelson; and four grandchildren, Zachary, Jakob, Luke and Carly.
A memorial service will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church on Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. officiated by Pastor Matt Nelson, with limited seating. His inurnment with military honors will be held the following weekend in Lovell, Wyoming.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Columbia Falls or anywhere the donor desires.
Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for the family.