Raymond "Ray" Martinek, 71, of Fort Wayne, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, July 31, 2026.

Born to the late Thomas and Lorraine (Pufunt) Martinek, Ray was one of nine children.

Ray served in the Air Force as an Electronic Warfare Systems Specialist. He continued to earn a bachelor’s in electrical engineering at Purdue University and worked as a Sr. Test Engineer; a profession he truly loved and never stopped learning. Ray was devoted to his catholic faith and enjoyed sharing advice, helping others, studying aircraft, discussing politics and health, smoking meat, and cheering on Purdue. Above all, he treasured spending time with his grandchildren, especially their favorite, tickle fights.

Ray is lovingly remembered by his children, Carrie (Adam) Baxter, David (Emily) Martinek, Michael (Joanne) Martinek, Gregory Martinek, Sarah (Jordan) Rivera, and Rachel Martinek (fiancé Andrew Leal); his 15 grandchildren; and his siblings, Tina Hurley, Tom Martinek, John (Kay) Martinek, Judy Proietti, Edward (Marie) Martinek, and Lori Ann Martinek.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Jerry Martinek and Jean Fruit.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Covington Memorial Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Covington Memorial Gardens with military honors.