Henry Martinez Obituary

Martinez, Henry "Hank" Age 83 of Lansing, IL, formerly of South Chicago, passed away on Monday, November 30, 2015. He is survived by his partner in life, and wife of 38 years, Linda (nee Rico); two amazing daughters, Alison Itzel Martinez and Kristal Fatima Martinez; one month old grandson, Henry Nathan Figueroa; and five siblings, Michael Martinez, Rafael Martinez, Constance Perez, Nadien Guerin, and Judith Rodriguez. Mr. Martinez was preceded in death by his parents, Rafael and Josephine Martinez Sr.; and seven siblings, Dennis Martinez, Leobardo Martinez, Lorenzo Martinez, Frank Martinez, Paul Martinez, Evelyn Martinez, and Genevive Torres. Friends are invited to visit with Hank's family on Friday, December 4, 2015 from 3:00 8:00 p.m. at the Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Rd., Lansing, IL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 5 at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 3200 E. 91st St., Chicago, IL. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Calumet City, IL. Hank was born in Chicago to parents who came from Guanajuato, Mexico. Hank became a larger than life figure in the Southeast Chicago Region. His life was marked by sacrifice and service, commitment and struggle, and he leaves a legacy of advocacy and institution building on behalf of the Latino community and specifically Latino youth and veterans. He was a Korean War Veteran who honorably served his country in the U.S. Army. He made it his mission to ensure Latino Veterans have a voice and access to well-deserved supports. He led the efforts to establish a Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in South Chicago that stands as a testament today of his commitment to fellow veterans. He had a degree from Roosevelt University, the University of Chicago, and a Master's Degree in Juvenile Justice from Chicago State University. The years did not weaken Hank's resolve to fight for the Latino community. He continued to be a tough advocate until his last days; his resolve only matched by his big heart. Hank left an indelible footprint on the lives of many Latinos across the state. We will miss your force and spirit, but will never forget the lessons in visionary leadership and courage you taught us. www.schroederlauer.com