Emil F. Martinka

Emil F. Martinka, age 98, Hollister, Missouri

Emil F. Martinka of Hollister, MO and formerly of Sleepy Eye, MN. died Sunday, July 23, 2023 at Mt. Vernon Veterans Home, Mt. Vernon, MO at the age of 98.  A Celebration of Life service will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Branson, MO on Monday, July 31.  Visitation is at 9:30am with service at 10:30am followed by a light lunch.  Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery, Sleepy Eye, MN. at a later date.  Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.  

Emil graduated from St. Mary High School in Sleepy Eye, MN in 1943, excelling in all sports and promptly entered the Navy during WWII.  While in basic training, he became the center fielder for the Navy baseball team and received an offer from a Detroit scout that, should he come back alive, the Detroit Tigers had a place for him in center field. However, at the end of the war, he returned to his hometown, married his sweetheart, Mildred Moldaschel, entered the business world and played semi-pro ball. During this time, Emil was a wonderful father, raising a son Bill and a daughter Jeanette.  He became a successful business owner and real estate broker, was very active in civic affairs, and retired in his early 70's.  Upon moving to Hollister, he became bored and went back to work at Big Cedar Lodge at age 72.  Over the years, the people of Big Cedar became his adopted second family.  He thoroughly loved his time there and finally retired for good after 25 years at age 97 (yes you read that right).  A finer man you will never find.

Emil was preceded in death by his wife Mildred in 2018, three siblings and a great granddaughter.  He is survived by his son, Bill Martinka (Jenny) of Hollister, MO, and daughter, Jeanette Bonstrom (Bob) of Orlando, FL.  Also surviving are grandchildren, Erin Bertrand (Chad) of Mankato, MN, Holly Janowicz (Jay) of Denver, CO, four great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.