JoAnn W. (Buckholz) Martindale

JoAnn W. (Buckholz) Martindale passed away December 22, 2017, finally conquered by Parkinson's Disease after a decade-long fight. JoAnn was born in Lansing, MI on July 19, 1931, to Ernest John and Aileen (Orr) Buckholz. She was a 1949 graduate from Mt. Clemens (MI) H.S. where her father was Athletic Director and coached the football team for 15 years, winning five State titles and eventually being inducted into the Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame. After receiving her Associate's Degree from Cleary Business College in Ypsilanti, MI, JoAnn struck out on her own, moving to Denver, CO, where she worked for the U.S. Air Force. After returning to Michigan, JoAnn attended Michigan State University, where she met her first husband, James T. Pearlman. JoAnn was a faithful wife for 16 years while her husband served in the U.S. Army, including three combat tours in Vietnam (82nd Airborne and 1st Cavalry divisions), eventually reaching the rank of Lt. Colonel before they divorced. In 1971, while living on Lido Key, JoAnn met and eventually married Fred C. Martindale, Sr., the owner of Fred's Dining & Cocktails in Roscommon, MI – a popular eatery since 1956. JoAnn and Fred moved between Michigan and Florida for many years, maintaining homes in Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton, before permanently moving to Florida in 1996. In February 2009, her beloved Fred died after 36 years of marriage. Also preceding JoAnn in death were her brother, Charles (April 1995), father Ernest (2000), and mother Aileen (2012). JoAnn is survived by her brother, Dr. John Buckholz (ret.) of Saugatuck, MI, as well as son James T. Pearlman, Jr. of Charles Town, WV (and grandchildren Rachel, Sadye and Tom, and great-granddaughter, Rita), and son Patrick Pearlman of Perth, Western Australia, his wife, Lisa Stahl (and grandchildren, Kathryn and Hannah). Other surviving family members include nephew Chris Buckholz (and wife Kimran and son Cody) of Albuquerque, NM, niece Carrie Buckholz (and children, Michael and Alyssa) of Manassas, VA, and cousin George Seay (and wife Nita) of Lido Beach and Alameda, CA. During life, JoAnn travelled widely across the USA and Canada with Fred, and lived in Germany and travelled throughout Europe with her first husband. JoAnn's wandering feet now tread new paths.

Tributes

JoAnn W. (Buckholz) Martindale

July 19, 1931 - December 22, 2017