Felipe Martinez, Jr.

Felipe Martinez Jr, 72, of St. Thomas, ND, passed away on Wednesday, July 24th, 2024. Felipe was born on October 9, 1951in Grafton, ND to Felipe & Amelia Martinez. He graduated from Grafton High School in 1970. In 1972, he married SanJuanita “Janie” Contreras. They resided in Grafton/St.Thomas, ND area where they had their first two children. In 1989, they moved to Pasadena, TX and later had their third child. Felipe worked for many years at the Life Skills Transition Center in Grafton. Upon his return from Texas, he returned to work there until he retired. Felipe enjoyed spending time with his 14 siblings and large extended family and friends. He loved to travel to Texas to visit his cousins and reminisce of younger days. He also enjoyed coaching his sons in baseball and supporting his children and grandchildren in sporting events. His favorite moments were those he spent with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Janie and his three children: Ana (Jonathan) Higdon of Glyndon, MN, Aaron (Shawna Williamson) Martinez of Grand Forks, ND, and Alex (Jayne) Martinez of Fargo, ND, Honorary Family Member Lynn Martinez and his grandchildren, Neveah, Carson, Cash, Kingston, Ryker, Sonja, Kathryn, Carmen, Sophia, Skyler and Kimber. He is also survived by his siblings: Maria, Julio, Teresa, Tony, Rosalinda, Carlos, Richard, Michael, Helen, Alice, Jane and Benny. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Felipe and sister Irene Naranjo.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 10:30 AM at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church.