Frank E. St. Martin, age 88, of 320 South 11th Street, passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon, October 3, 2009, at the Bishop Noa Home where he and his loving wife Elaine have resided for the past five years.
Frank was born February 10, 1921, in Escanaba, the son of Elmer A. and Henrietta (VandeWiele) St. Martin. Frank was raised in Escanaba and attended and graduated from the Escanaba High School in 1938. Frank went on to enlist in the United States Coast Guard, serving during WWII. He received an honorable discharge in November, 1945. On January 8, 1944, Frank was united in marriage to the former Elaine Beauchamp at the St. Anne Catholic Church in Escanaba. He and Elaine made their home and raised their family in Escanaba. Throughout most of his life, Frank was self employed as a contractor throughout the Delta County communities. In addition, he worked as a shipwright and cabinet maker. Frank spent the last ten years of his career, working for the City of Escanaba, as the Escanaba Harbor Master, finally retiring on January 14, 1982. At a young age, Frank became very passionate about sailing, building his first boat while just out of high school. Frank can be credited with teaching the love and art of sailing to many Escanaba area boaters-to be, beginning with his own sons, daughters, and grandchildren. On August 4, 2000, Frank was recognized for his many years of service to the Escanaba boating community when the City of Escanaba dedicated the new yacht harbor building in honor of Frank’s more than four decades of service in various capacities at the marina. Frank was a member of the St. Anne Catholic Church in Escanaba. He was a member of the American Legion Post #82, the Escanaba Yacht Club where he was a past Commodore, and was active in construction and fundraising projects at the St. Anne Church and Holy Name School. Frank enjoyed sailing, woodworking, spending time with family and spending time at the harbor.
Frank leaves to survive, his loving wife of 65 years, Elaine. Also surviving are:
3 Sons: Robert (Kay) St. Martin of Cincinnati, OH; William (Sandra) St. Martin of Menominee, MI; Edward (Rhonda) St. Martin of Albuquerque, NM
2 Daughters: Margaret (Daniel) Ammel of Escanaba, MI; Jean (David) Niedzielski of Manistee, MI
1 Brother: Robert (Sandra) St. Martin of Charlestown, WV
3 Sisters: Louise Boddy of Escanaba, MI; Mary Arbour of Escanaba, MI; Helen Finn of Milwaukee, WI
Sister in law: Mary St. Martin of Knoxville, TN
12 Grandchildren: Jean, Lisa, Peter, Mark, Paul, Ed, Steven, Paul, Jill, Dan, Diane and Mat
18 Great Grandchildren
Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Henrietta, brother, John St. Martin, great granddaughter, Danielle Martin and as Frank would say, “Everyone that died before him.”
Frank’s family will receive friends on Tuesday from 2:30PM to 5:30PM, at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba. Mass of Christian Burial will follow visiting hours, at 6:00PM, at the St. Anne Catholic Church, with Rev. Fr. Fran Degroot officiating. Luncheon will follow in the St. Anne Parish Hall. Committal will take place at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Escanaba. Memorial contributions in Frank’s name may be directed to the St. Anne Catholic Church, Holy Name School or the Bishop Noa Home. Envelopes will be available at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the St. Martin family with arrangements.
