Tristen Martinie

Tristen Martinie, age 28, of Zeeland, passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack and was called home way too soon to be with his Heavenly Father on December 30, 2025. Born and raised in Zeeland, MI, he loved spending time with his family and many friends. Tristen will be remembered for his zest for life, outgoing personality, contagious laughter, sense of humor, kind heart, and especially his beautiful smile that lit up the lives of anyone who met him.

Tristen was a proud member of The Coop - Cribbage League in Zeeland, an extremely avid University of Michigan and Lion’s football fan; recently even rooting for the Chicago Bears. When asked how he came to be a Lions and Bears fan he would say “Hey, I am a man of culture.” He was well known and could often be heard on any game day saying “Lets Gooooooooooo.” He had a passion for traveling, cooking, English bulldogs, and saltwater aquariums. He could often be found surrounded by friends and family -  either on a golf course, playing cribbage, PlayStation or Xbox, opening Pokémon cards, watching the big game, cooking, traveling, getting a tattoo from Carissa Gray at Crux Art, fishing, building Legos, and caring for his “Boyz” Reggie, Chewy, Mickey, and his saltwater aquarium.  He was an extremely proud big brother and devoted protector of his best friend and little sister, Ellie Martinie. 

Tristen graduated from Zeeland Public Schools and was on the water polo, swim, baseball, and football teams. His teachers fondly remember Tristen as “Mr. Personality” who was always so entertaining and fun to have in class. Tristen’s working career spanned a variety of restaurants in the Zeeland, Holland, and Douglas communities, where his smile and humor touched so many lives; Public, Seventy-Six, Poquito, Obstacle #1, Boatwerks, and Everyday People Cafe (EPC). Tristen was a proud bartender and labeled by all that loved him as the Master Mixologist. He was devoted and gave his whole heart to making not only the best drink, but the whole experience by entertaining everyone.

Tristen is preceded in death by his grandparents, Sandy Katsma (MiMi), and Gordon Martinie; and his great auntie, Gloria Slagter (Go Go). Tristen will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him: his parents, Chuck and Susan Martinie; sister, Ellie Martinie; grandparents, Bob Katsma, Betty Martinie; aunts and uncles, Tim Katsma, Betsy (Tom) Goldsmith, Nancy Armock, Randy (Cindy) Martinie, Tom Martinie; multiple cousins; Tristen’s close posse of brothers: Zach (Marissa) Yskes, Tyler O’Neil, Ray Linton, Izzy Romero, Adam Milburn, Macee Morey and far too many more close friends to name; his extended family the Romero’s; and his EPC family: Matt, Allie, Kevin, Michael, Joanne, Wesley, Taz, Tyler S, Nick, Logan, Jaylee, Jozzy, Bethany and Margaret; and so many others along with all the EPC clients. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW with Pastor Dennis Gilbert officiating. Burial will take place at Felch St. Cemetery in Zeeland. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Monday, January 5 from 5-8 pm at the funeral home, and again on Tuesday from 10-11 am prior to the service. Attendees are invited to wear University of Michigan or Detroit Lions gear. Those that wish to make a memorial contribution can do so to Tristen’s passion and donate in his honor to Great Barrier Reef Foundation of the USA.