Craig Henry Martinez, 72, of West Bend, WI, formerly of Milwaukee, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025, with his family by his side. He was born December 29, 1952, to Henry and Jane Martinez (née Radke), and was a graduate of James Madison High School in 1971, where he met the love of his life, Susan.

Craig lived a life of quiet strength, fierce loyalty, and deep love. He served the City of Milwaukee as a police officer for over 30 years, followed by 8 more years at UW–Milwaukee, and finally, work in private investigation.

His greatest role, though, was as a devoted husband to Susan Martinez (née Kivley), with whom he recently celebrated 50 beautiful years of marriage. Their love was the heart of their family—a partnership built on devotion, humor, and unshakable support. Together, they raised two children, Kenneth (Jenny) and Krystal (Randy) Spahos, and were like parents to their niece, Nikki (Jason) Branzolewski.  He loved them with the full force of his heart, never missing a chance to coach, support, or embarrass them with one of his famous one-liners.

Craig was a loving and ever-present grandfather to Alexis (Scott), Mason (Brianna), Kassidy, Khloe, Courteney, and Carmyn, and great-grandfather to Analayah, with two more on the way. He was sometimes the loudest—but always the proudest—in the stands of their games and the warmest presence at every family gathering.

He was also a cherished brother to Sandy (Bill) Kalmakoff and Keri (Jeff) Woods, and is survived by many more extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Gail McCain-Jozwiak and Jackie Ryan, and his beloved grandson, Ethan Martinez, whose loss shook Craig deeply. Yet even in grief, Craig remained a steady source of strength and love. He now reunites with them in peace.

Craig's friendships were as rich and lasting as his family ties. He kept a cherished circle of close friends—some of whom he'd known since kindergarten—a brotherhood that endured across decades. His friends knew every version of him, from mischievous teen to wise and steady man, and they stood by each other through every chapter. To Craig, they weren't just friends; they were family.

Later in life, Craig found renewed peace in his faith as a member of Pilgrim Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he worshipped joyfully with Susan—often with a wisecrack ready for anyone who would listen.

Craig's spirit is anything but gone. It lives on in every story told around a campfire, every smile shared across a room, every child cheered on from the stands, and every person who chooses compassion, humor, and loyalty—because that's what he taught us, just by being himself.

Craig made ordinary moments unforgettable. He didn't just live life—he loved it, fully and unconditionally. And he loved you, if you were lucky enough to know him. He stood tall for his family, right to the very end. The ability to make others feel at ease and to lift spirits was Craig's gift. And it was extraordinary.

A celebration of Craig's life will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Pilgrim Evangelical Lutheran Church, 462 Meadowbrook Dr., West Bend, WI.

Visitation will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with a service at 12:30 p.m., followed by light refreshments and shared memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pilgrim Evangelical Lutheran Church, Craig's beloved spiritual home.