Joseph Martinez, 60, of Thief River Falls, MN died Saturday, June 21, 2008 at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, June 26, 2008 at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls MN with Monsignor Timothy McGee and Father Antony Fernando presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 6-8 PM on Wednesday, June 25 with a prayer service at 7 PM and again one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be held in St. Josephs Catholic Cemetery in Red Lake Falls, MN.

Joseph Anthony Martinez was born on March 23, 1948 to Julian and Gloria (Vigil) Martinez in Walsenburg, CO. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Marys Catholic Church and attended public school in Walsenburg. He later graduated from high school in Denver, CO. Joseph earned a Bachelors degree in Sociology and History and later a Masters degree in Education from the University of Colorado. Joseph spent the majority of his career in Colorado with the St. Vrain Valley School District and also spent time working in Montana and Washington.

Jospeh loved to fish, especially at Lake of the Woods. He enjoyed reading, traveling, and football.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife Virginia of Thief River Falls, MN; son, James (Jolie) of Pottstown, PA; three grandchildren, Trent, Cyenna, and Riley; parents Julian and Gloria; four brothers, Ben (Kay), Nick, Alan (Cindy) and Michael Martinez; three sisters, Irene Passage, Beverly Martinez, and Theresa Martinez, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by one sister, Glorianne, and his grandparents.