Martin Joseph Pojar, age 80, of Nixa, passed away Sunday, October 29, 2017. He was born May 2, 1937 in Beemer, Nebraska, the son of Jerome and Effie Pojar. Martin graduated from Beemer High School in 1956. He and Virginia Lee Summers were married November 3, 1961. He spent 25 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, retiring as Boatswain Mate Master Chief. Following retirement, Martin worked for Hillrise Elementary School in Elkhorn, Nebraska until he retired in 1999. Martin was a Custodian, but did so much more, from helping with art projects and serving as a jack-of-all-trades. When there was a problem, the kids always went to "Mr. Pojar" first, and he would go to great lengths to find the missing retainer!
Marty was a member of American Legion Post #266, The Lions Club International in Nebraska and Missouri, and Knights of Columbus #13748. Marty's family meant everything to him, and his great sense of humor is something his family will always treasure. He was the first to help anyone in need. Marty loved fishing and usually had a few good fish stories that got better with time! He took great pride in the1955 Ford Fairlane Victoria that he lovingly restored over the years, and he won several trophies at car shows.
Survivors include: His wife, Virginia; six children, Betty Coyle Roberts, her husband Denis of Omaha, NE, Kathy Schroeder, her husband Rory of Kennard, NE, Rob Pojar, his wife Sherrill of Nixa, Vicky Murray, her husband Rod Sayler of Pullman, WA, Ron Pojar, his wife Brenda of Nixa, Jackie Burke, her husband Scott of Valley, NE; twelve grandchildren, and eighteen great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and relatives and friends. He is also survived by his sisters Marie Nosal, Margaret Schultz and Marlene Freyermuth of Beemer NE, and Marvine Albers (Ted) of Wisner, NE.
Martin was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Arnold, Roland, Bob, Clifford, and Joe.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, November 3, 2017 at Adams Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, November 4, 2017 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Nixa. A memorial service and burial will take place on Monday, November 6, 2017, at 11:00 AM at Reichmuth Funeral Home in Elkhorn, NE.
Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.