MORTON — William Merritt “Bill” Martinie Jr., 82, Morton, died at 7:55 p.m. Monday (Nov. 30, 2009) at his home.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Morton United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Paul Walles officiating. Burial will be in Roberts Cemetery, Morton. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home,  Morton, and from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Friday at the church.

Memorials may be made to the Morton United Methodist Church Building Fund, Alzheimer’s Association, American Parkinson Disease Association or Methodist Hospice.

He was born July 25, 1927, in Sterling, son of William Merritt Sr. and Verna Reynolds Martinie. He married Velva June Jensen on Aug. 27, 1950, in Kenney.

Surviving are his wife of Morton; three daughters, Linda Nauertz, St. Charles; and Marcia (Larry “Kidd”) Menold and Connie (Larry) Stephens, both of Morton; one son, Gary (Kathryn) Martinie, Dallas, Texas; seven grandchildren, Jesse and Jake Menold, Callie and Casey Stephens, all of Morton; Daniel Martinie, Nashville, Tenn.; Michael Martinie, Dallas, Texas; and Tracie Nauertz, St. Charles; one sister, Jeanne (Gerald) Sampen, Emden; and one brother, Lyle (Janice) Martinie, Granbury, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Steve Nauertz; five infant grandchildren; his parents; two infant brothers; and one infant sister.

He enlisted in the Navy following his graduation from Atlanta High School in 1945. He then graduated in 1950, from the University of Illinois with a degree in agriculture education and later received his master’s degree from U of I.

Bill first taught high school agriculture in Cuba and Minonk. In 1967, he became the first chairman of the agriculture department at Illinois Central College, retiring in 1983. He also was an agent for Country Companies Insurance for three years and worked in the farm loan department and in public relations at Morton Community Bank for more than 15 years.

He was a member of the Morton United Methodist Church and served as chairman of the administrative council and on many other committees.

He also was a member of the Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers, Illinois Association of Junior College Agriculture Teachers, the Future Farmers of America, the National Vocational Agriculture Teachers and the Illinois Agriculture Association.

He was named an honorary state farmer and honorary American farmer with FFA.

He was a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge, Consistory and Shrine, Rotary International and WeCare Inc. in Morton.

Bill was an outgoing person who enjoyed fishing, camping and his family. He shared stories and his sense of humor with everyone.

Bill’s family appreciates the excellent care given by his caregivers to make his life more comfortable during his illness.

To view Bill’s video tribute or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com.