Obituaries

Elfego Martinez Jr., lovingly known as Junior and Grandpa, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025 in his home in Fremont, CA, at the age of 98. He was born on October 19, 1927, in National City, California, and was raised in New Mexico.

Junior proudly served his country in the United States Army, first at the end of World War II when American forces were stationed in Germany, and again during the Korean War. After his military service, he dedicated many years of hard work to General Motors and NUMMI. There is where he got his nickname Junior. He told his boss his name, Elfego Martinez Jr, but his boss said that he wasn’t going to remember that so they will call him Junior. From there on everyone lovingly called him Junior, including his late wife and children.

He was a devoted husband to his late wife, Betty Lou Martinez, and a loving father to his daughter Sheila Rhode and his late son, Ken Rhode. He is survived by his daughter Sheila Rhode, his beloved granddaughter and best friend Kimberly Rhode, and Martha Rhode, whom he considered as his own daughter.

Junior was a kind, loving, and compassionate man—always a true gentleman with a quick wit and a sharp mind. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing and camping, and had a soft spot for all his animals. A man of faith, he lived his life guided by his Catholic values and a deep love for his family.

He will be dearly missed and forever remembered for his warmth, humor, and unwavering heart.