Norman "John" Martz, age 77 of Big Rapids, passed away Tuesday, December 1, 2009. He was born July 27, 1932 in Sand Lake the son of Charles and Ivah A. (Bradley) Martz. As a young man John enlisted in the United States Army and served for over 20 years. He was stationed throughout the United States, Germany, Korea and Vietnam. John was awarded the Vietnam service medal and 3 bronze service stars. Following his retirement from the service, he returned to Georgia. He worked as a truck driver and farmed. Eventually John moved to Michigan residing in the Big Rapids area for over 15 years. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Reed City. John is survived by his beloved family including his wife, Erma Dolley Cook Martz of Big Rapids; his son, Charles (Celeste) Martz of Lyons; 2 granddaughters, Jaiden Martz and KayLee Lanz; 3 step-children, Duane L. (Sarah) Cook of Ludington, Daniel L. (Mindy) Cook of East Jordon, Diane L. Cook of Big Rapids; many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, Charlotte Holliday and Opal (Jim) Dickerson all of Winter Haven, FL and Janice (Glen) Holtzlander of Sand Lake; brother and sister-in-laws, Bill and Shirley Latten of Chase and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, John was preceded in by his first wife, Therese "Terry" Martz on December 23, 2000. Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 5th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Pastor Dawn Pooley officiating. The family will greet friends on Friday, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Interment will be at Pine Plains Cemetery in Big Rapids with military honors under the auspices of American Legion Post #98 Firing Squad. Memorial contributions in John's name may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Reed City or the American Diabetes Foundation.