It is with great sadness that the family of John Martinson shares the news that he passed peacefully at the Iron County Medical Care Facility. John's health has been declining over the past several years, and he was called home into the arms of the Father on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.

Raised in Crystal Falls in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, John graduated from Forest Park High School in 1963. He joined the United States Navy in 1963 and fought in the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged as an Aviation Fire Control Technician 2nd Class (AQF2) in 1967. After the war, John returned to Crystal Falls and married Donna Wickman in November of 1970. John worked for the United States Postal Service in Crystal Falls as a mail carrier and, later, as a window clerk for 31 years. Many in Crystal Falls will remember John as their beloved mail carrier, and seemingly everyone in town knew him – he enjoyed talking with everyone on his route. He retired from the Crystal Falls Post Office in 2000.

John was a lifelong avid sportsman who enjoyed fishing (especially ice fishing and smelting), hunting (deer and grouse), and any outdoor activities. Having played football, himself. John was a big supporter of Crystal Falls High School sports. Over the years, he and Jan attended many games together to cheer on Forest Park High School. John was also known as a steadfast Detroit Lions fan.

John is survived by his loving wife, Janice (Yarger) Martinson of Amasa, Mich., as well as his daughter, Heather (Christian) Todorov of Northville, Mich.; his son, Todd (Marnie) Martinson of Marquette, Mich., and his much-loved grandchildren: Annabella Martinson, Karinna Todorov, and Alexander Todorov. Additionally, John inherited a “bonus” family through his marriage to Jan. John was very proud of his stepchildren and their families. He loved being “Papa John” to all his grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his first wife, Donna Martinson, who passed away in November of 2003. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Phil Martinson; his sister, Louise (Martinson) Floodstrand; his mother, Lulu (Wuorenma) Martinson; his father, Sigvard Martinson; and brother-in-law, John Floodstrand, all of Crystal Falls, Michigan.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls, Mich. The visitation will continue on Friday, May 17, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., at the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home with service to follow at 12:00 p.m.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to John’s family online at www.jacobsfuneralhome.com

The family has chosen Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Crystal Falls, Mich., to honor John’s legacy of life.