Ralph R. Martineau, 95, of Williamsburg, passed away Saturday, September 23, 2023.

Born in 1928 to Esther K. Wurm and Ervin J. Martineau, he lived on Cass Street in Traverse City until he married another "Esther,"  Esther Z. Morrison, in 1961.  He was now in the cherry business!!…on a centennial farm near Elk Rapids.

The two of them raised their four children, all adults now:  Marty, Brian, Julie, and Brett.  They were his pride and joy.

He loved sports – both water and downhill skiing, but especially basketball.   A talented player himself, he played varsity all four years of high school at his beloved St. Francis.  Never a braggart, but oh, how he loved to re-live the games thru reminiscing with old friends.

When he was only 14, he began working at Oleson's Food Stores, where he would eventually work his way up to manager of their meat department.  After 50 years of faithful service, he retired.

After marriage to Esther, they became active at Sacred Heart Church in Elk Rapids where they remained devoted members until slowed by age.

An uncle and great uncle to many nieces and nephews, he was preceded in death by his two sisters, Maxine Collins of California and Jean Ann Lewis of Florida.

Although fortunate to go on many family trips throughout the continental US, Hawaii, Europe, and the Caribbean, he would be the first to say that there was nowhere else he would rather be than "home on the farm", enjoying the absolute simplest of life's pleasures with those who meant the most to him.

Due to the role COVID played in his passing and multiple active cases, they have decided to have a private family funeral.  But they all look forward to celebrating his life with family and friends for the rest of theirs.

The family prays that he is resting comfortably.  And they all look forward to being together with him again.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com