Martin J. Baranek

Martin J. Baranek, 94, of Basalt died January 23, 2006 at his home under Hospice care.

He was born January 18, 1912 in Chicago, Illinois to Paul Baranek and Helen Stacek. He was taken to Czechoslovakia with his sister, he attended school there. He returned to America in 1930 to live with relatives in Thompson Falls, MT. In the late 1930’s he moved to Gary, Indiana where he went to work in the Steel Mills as a Tool and Die Maker. He met Catherine Orgon and they were married August 14, 1937 in Gary, Indiana. In 1952 they moved to Portage, Indiana. He retired in 1974 after 38 years. He moved to Idaho in 1986.

He loved the mountain’s, fishing and the people.

He enjoyed painting and playing the clarinet. He played with the U. S. Steel Orchestra and had his own band in the 1940’s and 1950’s. He played in many Christmas programs at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. He was a member of the St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church.

He is survived by his 2 daughters Dolores (Ed) Johnson of Shelley and Linda (Paul) Swigart of Indianapolis, IN. 6 Grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his Parents, his wife and 1 sister.

Private family services will be held under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home in Shelley. Interment will be in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery.