Dr. Joseph F. Martinac, 83, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on January 19, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was reunited in heaven for the first time in 22 years on his beloved wife’s birthday. He was born on June 15, 1939, in Endicott, New York, the son of Joseph and Stella his Martinac. He was widowed by his wife of 43 years, Janine R. Martinac. They have been lovers since he was in 9th grade.
Dr. Martinak played football at Rutgers University and graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo College of Medicine. He also attended the Military Academy at West Point.
Throughout his career, he has served as Chief of Emergency Medicine at Charles Wilson Medical Center (Johnson City, NY), Augusta General Hospital (Augusta, ME), Stormont Vail Medical Center (Topeka, Kansas), and Janet District Memorial Hospital (Janet, PA). served. ), St. He Francis Medical Center (Topeka, Kansas). Dr. Martinak had a private practice in Southern Pines, North Carolina from 1978 to his 1980s.
Dr. Martinak has worked in the emergency departments of Lawrence Memorial Hospital (Lawrence, Kansas), Memorial Hospital (Topeka, Kansas), and Immanuel Medical Center (Omaha, Nebraska). He was an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Nebraska School of Medicine and Medical Director of Medicare Part B in Kansas and Nebraska. He recently returned to Topeka after working at his Work Fit Occupational Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska, where he retired from a 54-year medical career.
He was a breeder of Thoroughbred horses for many years and produced many winners on the racecourse. He also had a passion for flying. He has a pilot’s license and owns his own plane.
He was the father of Debbie Cochrane of Missouri, Chris Martinak and Joey Martinak (Tami) of Topeka.
He left behind seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was very much loved and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. At his request, Dr. Martinac was cremated. Private family services will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, you can donate to Midland Hospice, 2134 SW Westport Dr, Topeka, KS 66614.
Posted online on January 21, 2023
Published in Topeka Capital Journal
