Mike Martin

George Michael “Mike” Martin, 79, of Elgin, IL passed away on March 23, 2024 from a devastating stroke.  His loss was completely unexpected, and his family is profoundly saddened.

Mike was born on July 7, 1944 in Erie, PA to Ralph and Marjorie Martin.  After graduating high school from Naperville, Mike attended North Central College for 3 years before doing short stints with the Ottawa Roughriders and Chicago Bears.  After injuries derailed his professional football opportunity, Mike returned to school at Judson University, where he met his forever partner Jill, marrying her on campus on July 3, 1971.

After his time at Judson, Mike began teaching at Haines Middle School in St Charles, IL, where he spent 30 years as a beloved teacher to thousands of students during his tenure, retiring in 2001.  Mike also spent time serving with the Elgin Police Department and the Kane County Sheriff’s Department, which he retired from in 2009.

Mike was a loyal husband, a devoted father, and a loving grandfather.  He enjoyed retirement indulging himself in his hobbies of hunting, target shooting and reading.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Jill, his son Michael and his wife Brianne, and his three grandchildren: Madden, Beckett and Anniston.  He is also survived by his brothers Tom and Dale, sister Barbara and their spouses, children and grandchildren.

Visitation 10:00am until time of service 11:00am on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Christ Community Church, 820 S Randall Rd, South Elgin, IL, followed by a ceremony at his resting place at Plato Center Cemetery in Plato Center, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations made to Wayside Ministries of Elgin, IL, www.waysidecross.org/homeless-shelter/ , or Northern IL Food Bank, https://solvehungertoday.org , would be appreciated..