Martin J. Stritof, 83, of Valparaiso passed away Monday, August 18, 2025. He was born December 16, 1941, in Long Island City, NY to Martin & Arlene (Mazikoske) Stritof, graduated from Walther Lutheran High School in Chicago and received a B.A. from Valparaiso University. Marty was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, serving as a past president, singing in the choir, playing in the bell choir and serving funeral luncheons. He was a longtime Loan Officer with Northern Indiana Bank/Gainer Bank, a member of Valparaiso Kiwanis Club, a business mentor with the SCORE program and supporter of Opportunity Enterprises.
On August 25, 1962, he married Deanna Bartels who preceded him in death in 2018. He is survived by his children: M. Andrew (Mary) Stritof of Florida & Jennifer Lyn (Steve) Hoffmeyer of Illinois, grandchildren: Sarah (Mike) Swan, Matthew (Rebekah) Stritof, Meghan Stritof, Matthew (Rachel) Hoffmeyer, Rev. Alex (Leah) Hoffmeyer, Hayley (Henry) Johnson, Kelsey (Colin) Baake and great-grandchildren: Nathan & Addison Swan, Theodore Stritof, Travis, Anthony, Lucia & Cooper Hoffmeyer, Harper, Hudson & Hayes Hoffmeyer, Westley Johnson, Arthur & Waylon Baake, and Marlene Rock who became his best friend and companion in recent years.
A visitation will be held Sunday, August 24th from 4 – 7 pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1700 N. Monticello Park Dr., Valparaiso. The funeral service will be held Monday, 4:00 pm at the church with entombment to follow at Graceland Mausoleum. Memorial donations may be made to Lutheran Church Charities - Comfort Dog Ministry or Concordia Seminary - St. Louis.
GUESTBOOK
I was so sorry to hear of Marty’s passing. He was a great Kiwanis friend. We worked on numerous projects together. He was always fun to be with, and he was always a very kind gentleman. May he rest in peace! -Jon Groth
I’m so sorry to hear of Marty’s passing. We sang and played bells together when I was at Immanuel from 1985-91. We sang in an octet together with Dee for events and also at my wedding reception. His joyful spirit was priceless. I will miss his Christmas cards! May God continue to bless your family with hope in the Resurrection! -Margaret Stelzer Clikeman
We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and fellow Kiwanian, Marty. His presence brought warmth, laughter, and a spirit of camaraderie that enriched our club in countless ways. Whether through his dedication, kindness, or quiet strength, Marty left an indelible mark on all of us. As we mourn Marty's loss, we also celebrate the life he lived and the memories we shared. We honor Marty not only in words, but in continuing the values he held dear: community, friendship, service and leadership. Our thoughts are with Marty's family and loved ones during this difficult time. Marty will be truly missed but never forgotten. -Joann Tomasic
I’m so sorry to hear of Marty’s passing. We sang and played bells together when I was at Immanuel from 1985-91. We sang in an octet together with Dee for events and also at my wedding reception. His joyful spirit was priceless. I will miss his Christmas cards! May God continue to bless your family with hope in the Resurrection! -Margaret Stelzer Clikeman
