Dr. Arturo Martinez, age 69, passed away on December 4th, 2022, peacefully in his sleep.
Born on December 2, 1953, in San Antonio, Texas to parents Benito and Anita Martinez. As a teenager, Arturo traveled to Wisconsin where he attended and graduated High School at Horlick High in Racine, Wisconsin. Arturo went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in Adult Education. In 2007 he accomplished his lifelong dream and received his PhD in Adult Education. Dr. Martinez lived his life serving the Latino Community in many ways, mainly focusing on creating educational opportunities. He created a Spanish Dental program that spread through the community and helped link many with Milwaukee Workforce Agencies. During his illustrious professional career, he held multiple titles. He was the Director of the MATC Campus Adult Basic Education, Bilingual, GED/HSED, and IET Programs and culminated his professional career as the Executive Director for the Department of Economic and Workforce Development – College of Southern Nevada (CSN) in Las Vegas.
In his short tenure at the College of Southern Nevada, Dr. Martinez emerged as a loved and respected institutional leader. He positioned CSN as a national leader in workforce innovation. He introduced integrated education models that allowed GED students to concurrently enroll in college courses and enter high demand degree higher education pathways. He helped to grow enrollments in his department to over 10,000 students, one of the largest integrated education enrollments in the country. In recognition of this work, Dr. Martinez was invited to present on the CSN-Integrated Education AtB Model (Ability to Benefit), at the prestigious American Association of Community College-Workforce Institute in January of 2023.
He received several outstanding national and local recognitions such as the United Migrant Opportunity Services (UMOS) 2015 Hispanic Man of the Year Award, the National LULAC 2015 State Director of the Year Award, and the TransCenter for Youth 2018 “Bridges to Opportunities Award.” His community involvement includes serving on the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Counsel 333 National Board, the Milwaukee Co-Op Center, and board member of Forward Latino. He was instrumental in forming the LULAC Brewers’ Scholarship Award in collaboration with the Hispanic team players to provide scholarships to Hispanic students to attend MATC.
Dr. Martinez was a lifelong fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and the Green Bay Packers. In 1982, he even had a chance to see the Brewers vs Cardinals in the World Series.
Dr. Martinez is Survived by his wife of 41 years, Maria Martinez , his four children, Elena, Arturo Jr, Salena and Alexis Martinez, his 10 grand kids, Julia, Raphael, Elizabeth, Leticia, Carlos, Isabel, Lola Marie, Eli, Veyda, and Andrew Jr, 7 great grand kids, Royce, Marisol, Romeo, Able, Camilla, Raul, and Elyana
Dr. Martinez gave decades of service to the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation/ Mexican Fiesta where he served as Secretary & Entertainment Coordinator. He continued his lifework of creating education opportunities to Hispanic students while also advocating to keep Tejano Music alive by volunteering his time to help coordinate one the biggest Mexican Culture and Music festivals in the Mid-West. Dr. Martinez opened the pathways to new and old Tejano Artists in the Tejano Music Industry. He was viewed as great leader, friend, role model, and musical advocate.
He will be deeply missed by so many.
The Martinez Family kindly ask that in lieu of flowers please send any donations to The Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation/Mexican Fiesta (WHSF).
Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. then followed by a small service beginning at 2:00 p.m.
Date: December 11, 2022
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Service to begin at 2:00 p.m
Church and Chapel Funeral Home.
15250 W National Ave,
New Berlin, WI 53151
