Martin Joseph Lickteig

Traverse City – Martin Joseph Lickteig, 68, of Honor passed away at Munson Medical Center surrounded by his family.

Martin was born on November 6, 1947 to Joseph and Lucile (Schwind) Lickteig in Louisville, Kentucky. The family moved to Traverse City and Martin attended St. Francis High School where he played football and ran track. After graduation Martin attended the University of Maryland where he earned his Bachelor of Science. He later would attend George Mason University and earn his Masters in Business Administration.

He met Nan Gibson and they married on February 10, 1968 at a service at Immaculate Conception Church in Traverse City. He enlisted in the United States Army and served his country for 20 years, achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2. He served 13 months in Vietnam and spent three tours in Germany totaling 9 years. He was a dedicated husband and military man, easily excelling at both. Martin earned the highest testing score in the history of the Army, Army Achievement Service Medal, the Army Commendation medal and several campaign ribbons and unit awards. He was inducted into the order of Saint Barbara for field service and was awarded many "Distinguished Service Awards" throughout both his military and civil service career.

After retiring from the military Martin worked for the Defense Intelligence Agency from which he retired in 2007. He was awarded the third highest civilian medal for his work, the Army Superior Civilian Award and the Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

Martin will be remembered as a man of integrity, a kind and gentle man who had a great sense of humor. He loved his family and especially his two grandchildren Raymond Joseph and Renae Nicole.

Martin loved to travel and his retirement years were spent exploring the world with Nan. One special place to Martin was the state of Maine where he often would travel to spend time with his daughter and grandchildren. He was a member of the planning commission board of Benzie County.

Martin was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Martin.

He is survived by his wife, Nan; daughter Michelle Lickteig of Yarmouth, ME; mother Lucile Lickteig of Traverse City; Sister Julie (Jan) Dalton of Traverse City; grandchildren Raymond Staples and Renae Staples and nephews Joseph (Stacey) Dalton and Hans Dalton.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Tim Moeggenberg will officiate the service.

In memory of Martin, kindly consider the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 5228, Traverse City, MI 49696, the VFW Cherryland Post #2780, 3400 Veterans Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686 or Disabled Veterans, VARO McNamara Federal Building, 477 Michigan Avenue, Room 1200, Detroit, MI 48226 when making a memorial contribution.