John Arthur Martinetto

John Arthur Martinetto, age 81, of Ely, MN, passed away peacefully at home on July 15, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Born July 7, 1944, in Crosby, Minnesota, John was the third child and first son of ten children born to Arthur and Catherine (Belland) Martinetto. He grew up in a large, lively household, and that spirit of togetherness stayed with him his entire life.

John graduated from Grand Rapids High School in the Class of 1962, and went on to attend North Dakota State University School of Pharmacy, earning his degree in 1967. In 1966, he married Cheryl Foerster, and together they raised two children, Lisa (Dave) Whitehill and Jason (Jennifer Walden), who were the pride of his life.

A devoted pharmacist for over 50 years, John was the longtime owner of Martinetto Drug, serving his community with care and commitment for 27 years. He also worked at Nett Lake and the Tower Pharmacy, earning the trust and friendship of many throughout his career.

John was happiest in the outdoors—fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family. Whether casting a line, walking in the woods, he brought calm and laughter wherever he went. He was a steady presence and a generous soul who quietly shaped the lives of those around him.

He is survived by his beloved wife Cheryl; his children Lisa Martinetto and Jason (Jennifer Walden); and his cherished siblings Roberta Karocich, Mary Berrigan (Roger Frame), Jim (Cheryl), Carol Klun (Dave), Paul (Nancy), Peter (Sue), and Susan Ross. He is also remembered with love by his many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews, as well as his in-laws Paul Foerster (Donna Wong), Virginia Foerster, Fred Foerster (Barb), Mike Foerster (Stacy Fortner), Pat Foerster (Janet), Michelle Buckingham, and Sheila Maher (Bill).

He was preceded in death by his sisters Jane Mays (Warren) and Sharon Larson (Wayne), son-in-law David Whitehill, his nephew Steve Larson, and his brothers-in-law James Karocich, Ken Gilk, and Michael Buckingham.

A celebration of life will be held at the Grand Ely Lodge on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 2:00pm-4:00pm.

Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely.

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