Pedro "Pete" Martinez

Pedro “Pete” A. Martinez Jr., age 66, of Willmar, passed away Tuesday morning, Feb. 23, at the St. Cloud Hospital.

A celebration of life of service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Assembly of God Church in Willmar.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Pete Martinez was born on May 3, 1954, in Defiance, Ohio, the son of Pedro Sr. and Maria (Alvardo) Martinez.  He grew up and received his education in Mercedes, Texas.  On January 2, 1982, Pete was united in marriage to Dora Maria Rivera.  They made their home in Weslaco, TX., before moving to Willmar in 1986.  He worked for several years for the Tisdell Farms in Olivia as a truck driver, retiring in 1998.  Pete attended the Church of St. Mary in Willmar.  His hobbies included fishing, playing dominos, poker and pool with his friends. He enjoyed caring for his lawn (making sure the grass was always neatly cut and kept green) and traveling to see all his family.  Pete had a wonderful sense of humor and a big caring heart.  He loved his family, especially his grandchildren and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dora; five children, Pedro Martinez III of Willmar, Belinda Martinez (and fiancé, Derrick Nonweiler) of Willmar, Priscilla Martinez of St. Cloud, Isabel Martinez of St. Cloud and Alysa Martinez of Willmar; ten grandchildren, Andrew Jr, Candice, Keyshawn, Adriana, Aliyah, Chloe, Zayden, Aidyn, Carlos, and Layla; his canine companion, Sofie;  and his twin brother, David Martinez of Holland, MI., besides other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pedro Sr. and Maria Martinez; and two brothers, Ernesto and Eloy Martinez.