Martin J. Boot

With deep sadness we announce Martin J. Boot passed away on February 5, 2025, at the age of 86. He was born on August 30, 1938, in Grand Haven, Mich., to Martin and Hilda Boot (Start). From a young age, Marty developed a love for football and played as a cornerback before graduating from Grand Haven High School. On November 23, 1956, he married Carol J. Regelin, and together they shared over 68 years of love and devotion. 

Marty’s life was a testament to hard work and determination. A self-made businessman, he owned several successful injection molding companies, including Mar-Jay Plastics and Tecumseh Thermoplastics. He often worked multiple jobs to support his family. 

Beyond his career, Marty had a wide array of hobbies and passions. An avid sports fan, he especially loved cheering for the Detroit Lions and the Michigan Wolverines. He was a longtime member of the Tecumseh Country Club, and one of his proudest moments was achieving a hole-in-one at Clark Lake Golf Course in June 2020. He enjoyed traveling, NASCAR races, visits to the casino, fishing, and hunting. He took great pride in keeping his family’s freezers stocked with venison and was known for his legendary fish fries and hush puppies. Many cherished memories were made on fishing trips up to Kaby Lodge in Canada with his grandsons and friends, as well as during his brief time as the owner of a charter boat, The Slapshot. 

Marty’s hands, shaped by years of labor, were rarely at rest, that was unless he was in his designated recliner, watching TV or passionately cheering (or yelling) at a football game. Marty had a remarkable green thumb, from meticulously maintaining his lawn to tending a large vegetable garden, always eager to share his harvest with others. He was well known for his spectacular, high-end firework displays that brought joy to family, friends, and neighbors. He also had a love for puzzles, completing thousands over the years but always leaving the last piece for his wife to finish. Marty had a deep love for animals, adopting and spoiling many canine companions over the years, most recently his beloved dog, Peanut. He also supported animal welfare causes, donating to the Lenawee Humane Society and the ASPCA. His philanthropic heart extended past those with paws, he and his wife contributed to the area’s schools, hospitals, and many other charitable organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project. 

He is survived by his cherished wife, Carol; his loving daughters, Lisa Sees and Brenda (Paul) Marcyan; and his sister, Joyce Rowland. He leaves behind ten grandchildren — Andrea, Marty, Bryan, Jessica (Issac), Austin (Megan), Marisa, Jonathan (Jaret), Vincent, Nicholas, and Clare — as well as eleven great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his son, Marty Boot Jr., and his daughter, Lori Lyn Burkhardt. Marty leaves behind countless family members and friends who will forever miss his wisdom, generosity, and presence. 

His legacy of hard work, dedication, and love will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. 

Visitation for Martin Boot will take place from 3-7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 20, at Purse & Son Funeral Home, Tecumseh, Mich. 

Funeral Services will be held 12 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at Purse & Son Funeral Home in Tecumseh.