Martin William Killila

Martin Killika

Age 78, died on April 8, 2011.  Born April 29, 1932, to Bill and Dorothy Killila, he was a lifelong resident of Lansing, MI.  Marty was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.  His unconditional love and his gift of music will be treasured and live on in his children and grandchildren forever.  He was a quiet man with a gentle sense of humor bringing smiles to the faces of all who loved him.  Marty was a devoted and avid MSU fan, but with both Spartan and Wolverine grandchildren he opened his heart to a little “maize and blue.”  A man of music, Marty met the love of his life, Norma Jean, in the junior high school band.  He played trumpet at President Roosevelt’s inauguration, French horn and trumpet in the Air Force Band, and was a drummer in a popular dance band.  For many years, he shared his love of music by directing the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Choir; teaching music classes as the owner of “Martin Music” and working with the Marshall family at Marshall Music.  Marty will always be loved and cherished by his children, Cindy (Patrick) Dolan, Terri (Paul) Lentz, Martin William, Jr. (Anne) Killila, Karen Sharky; his grandchildren, Jennifer and Sarah Dolan, Heidi and Heather Lentz, Timothy Martin and Anna Sharky; and his dog Mia.  Marty was preceded in death by his wife, Norma on May 12, 2005, and his parents.  Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 13, 2011, at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope Ave., with The Rev. James R. Lichtenberger and The Rev. Matt Smith officiating.  Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, and he will lie-in-state at the Church from 10 a.m. until service time on Wednesday.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Ev. Lutheran Church.  

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3 Messages to “Martin William Killila

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Freida and Jeff Newman
April 9, 2011 at 4:27 pm

We are so saddened by the passing of Uncle Marty. His caring, kind, and gentle spirit will not be forgotten. We pray God’s peace and comfort be with his family at this time of great loss.
Our sincere condolences.

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Terry Grady
April 11, 2011 at 7:31 am

Our condolences to all of you. He was a man full of love, respect and humor – a true gentleman. As as sad as the loss of Marty is, if ever I could imagine two people being reunited for eternity, it’s Marty and Norma.

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Janet Kranz
April 13, 2011 at 9:26 am

I am so sorry for your loss. His legacy will live on through your beautiful family. Comfort and prayers to you all.

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