Former National Chairwoman
Marian M. Martinez, Nebraska, Passed Away December 19, 2015

Former National Chairwoman Marian M. Martinez, a lifetime of the American GI Forum (AGIF), a Nebraska member passed has away December 19, 2015 at her home surrounded by her children and family. Marian was a Former National Chairwoman who also served as Nebraska State Chairwoman, was very dedicated, active, and firmly committed to the American GI Forum mission. We are sadden on this huge loss for the American GI Forum. Marian was a lifelong community activist and dedicated to improving the lives of everyone she touched. Among her many achievements, earlier this year Marian was awarded 2015 AGIF Woman of the Year Leadership Award at the National Conference in San Francisco. She will be missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chuck and Jennie Garcia; and brother, Jerry Garcia. She leaves behind her children, Carole Cruse and husband Mitch Cruse, Roberta Wilkie, Robert Martinez and wife Tammy Martinez, and Jerry Martinez, all of Omaha, and her son Marty Martinez of Boston, MA. She also had 7 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren.

As State Commander, on behalf of the American GI Forum of Texas Board, members and families and her many close friends within the AGIF Family, Local and State, in this time of bereavement and with deepest sympathy we offer condolence to her family and close friends in Nebraska. Her services will be Wednesday, December 23 at 11:00 am at Korisko Larkin Staskeiwicz Funeral Home, 5108 F St Omaha, NE (402) 731-1234. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. A CELEBRATION of Marian’s Life will follow at 12:30 at Sokol Hall, 2234 South 13th Street.

Sadly, I will not be able to attend the services, but we, together with her many friends in Texas, will keep her and her family in our thoughts and prayers. She will be missed, may she Rest in Peace. The American GI Forum of Texas State Office in lieu of flowers will send a donation to the Marian Martinez Scholarship Fund on behalf of all our members.

John Martinez, Commander, 

NOTE: Members may send Memorial gifts and/or donations for the Marian Martinez Scholarship Fund, C/O Carole Cruse, 16532 Yort Avenue, Omaha, NE 68116.