Dawn Ann Martinek, 62 of Valparaiso, IN, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. She was born December 13, 1962, in Burbank, IL to Mathew and Alona (Miehlke) Martinek. Dawn graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago with a bachelor’s degree, and made her career as a Business Analyst, retiring from Argo Group US. She was a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, where she served as a youth minister, and assisted with the Angel Tree, Hospitality and Backpack ministries. Dawn enjoyed baking, and loved animals, but she will be best remembered as the #1 Aunt to her beloved nieces and nephews. Dawn had a big heart and a giving nature, which will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. She will be dearly missed.
Dawn is survived by her daughter, Leila Balch-Martinek; siblings: Paul (Janel) Martinek, Ken (Janice) Martinek, Howard (Dianne) Martinek, Donna (Michael) Piernikowski; twin-sister, Nina Bender; many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews; and her dog, Ember. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and great niece, Keegynn.
A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 505 Bullseye Lake Road, Valparaiso, IN, with a memorial service beginning at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dawn’s name to Hospice of the Calumet Area, 600 Superior Avenue, Munster, IN 46321.
GUESTBOOK
Dawn you have always been in my heart. You'll be missed by many sis. I love you. May you be with mom now. -Randall Szmanesky
-Donna Piernikowski
