Guy H. Martinek

Guy Hoyt Martinek, 78, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, surrounded by loved ones after a long and courageous battle with heart disease.

Guy was born on July 28, 1947, in Norway, Michigan, to the late Richard and Clara (Hoffer) Martinek. His family later moved to Appleton, Wisconsin, where he was raised and graduated from Appleton High School in 1965.

Following high school, Guy proudly served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968, spending much of his service stationed in Germany. After completing his military service, he attended the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, earning a bachelor’s degree in Finance in 1972.

Guy began his career in the paper industry with Black Clawson in Fulton, New York, in 1973. In 1978, he returned to Appleton to join the sales department at Voith. He was recruited by Bill Plank and Jim Ginter in 1988 to serve as Vice President of Sales at JJ Plank/Spencer-Johnston, specializing in the sale of spreader and dandy rolls. He remained with the company until his retirement at age 68.

A dedicated and tireless professional, Guy traveled extensively throughout the world advising clients and supporting the global paper industry. He also served on numerous industry boards, most notably with TAPPI-PIMA, where he served as Affiliate Chairman for the 2002 annual conference in San Francisco.

Outside of work, Guy embraced life fully and valued the friendships he built along the way. He was a longtime member of Butte des Morts Country Club and the Appleton Yacht Club and enjoyed boating, golfing, sporting clays, and downhill skiing in his younger years. Later in life, he especially looked forward to weekly card games, including Wednesday evening cribbage tournaments and Appleton Yacht Club Sheepshead gatherings, as well as woodworking.

Above all, Guy loved people. He never met a stranger and genuinely enjoyed every conversation. His greatest joy came from spending time with family and friends, whether boating on the water, golfing, shooting sporting clays, or simply gathering around a card table. In his later years, he treasured time with his grandchildren most of all.

Guy is survived by his loving fiancée, Lori Hooyman; his children, Brandon (Lisa) Martinek and Anneli (Graham) Taylor; and his former wife, Vicki Martinek. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Ireland, Liam, George, and Sophia; his siblings, Richard (Darlene) Martinek and Sharon (Mark) Meythaler; Lori’s children, Troy (Cynthia) Hooyman and Brett (Amado) Hooyman; Lori’s granddaughter, Emma; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Along with his parents, Guy was preceded in death by his sister, Kim Martinek Paspuletti.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 16, at 3:00 p.m. at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond St., Appleton, Wisconsin, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Appleton Yacht Club, 1200 S. Lutz Dr., Appleton, where military honors will be presented at 4:30 p.m. Burial for Guy will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Appleton.  For online condolences, please visit www.valleyfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Guy’s honor to Wisconsin Veterans Village.

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