Frederick "Fred" Daniel Martinez

Frederick "Fred" Daniel Martinez, age 84, passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at KU-St. Francis Campus.

Frederick “Fred” Daniel Martinez, age 84, of Topeka, KS, passed away surrounded by family on August 17, 2024, at KU-St. Francis Campus. He was born the son of Sabino and Cecilia (Serillo) Martinez on January 22, 1940, in Manhattan, KS.

After graduating Manhattan High School, Fred proudly served his country in the United States Army. When he returned from the service, he attended Wichita State University and Kansas State University. While at K-State, Fred started his career in the restaurant business, opening The Dugout restaurant in Aggieville. He then worked for Trini’s and Casa Del Sol Corporation for over 20 years, opening restaurants in Lawrence, KS; Manhattan, KS; Modesto, CA; and Topeka, KS. Later in his career, Fred owned and operated Sí Martinez Restaurant in Topeka.

After retirement, never one to sit idle, he operated as independent courier for many years, traveling across all lower 48 states with his wife, Teresa. Clients were amazed by Fred’s work ethic, speed, and determination in always meeting and exceeding his delivery deadlines.

To know Fred was to be accepted and met with unwavering compassion and curiosity. Whether in his restaurants, on the road, or everyday personal interactions, he welcomed everyone and looked to be of service and help whenever he could. He made a point to employ individuals who were different from him, offering them not a job, but a work home that cultivated a culture for all his employees with a sense of dignity, respect, self-empowerment, and community.

Fred’s motivation and joy were attributed to his devoted wife of 62 years, Teresa Romero. They married on December 31, 1961, in Lawrence, KS. Driven by adventure, faith, and family, Fred and Teresa enjoyed traveling, pilgrimage trips, and making sure their boys were never hungry. While raising a family, Fred always participated in Kevin and Greg's activities, coaching their sports teams and also serving as a Boy Scouts of America Cubmaster to Pack 34, in Highland Park.

As we mourn the loss of Fred, we take comfort in the memories he made with Teresa, the relationships he developed, and the humble life of service and Faith he lived.

Fred is survived by his beloved wife, Teresa Martinez; son, Kevin Martinez (Kristi); son, Greg Martinez (Ray Cessna); two grandchildren, Gabrielle and Graedon Martinez; and sister, Mary Ellen Martinez. He also leaves behind many other extended family members and friends.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Sabino Martinez, Jr., and Raoul J. Martinez.

The family will receive visitors from 5 to 7:30 P.M. on Thursday, August 29, 2024, with a rosary at 5:30 P.M. at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home in Topeka.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M., on Friday, August 30, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5973 SW 25th St., Topeka, KS 66614.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, August 30, at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Lawrence, KS.

Following the graveside service, the family welcomes everyone to share Fred's love of Mexican food, Mariachi music and fellowship at Maceli's Banquet Hall, located at 1031 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS 66044, from 2:30-5:00 P.M.

Memorial contributions can be made in Fred's memory to Christ the King Catholic Church. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.