Dr. Martin D. Sikora, cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away peacefully on August 6, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Jan Sikora (nee Olhoeft), proud father of Gwen (Matt) Sikora Raih, and Jessie Sikora and grandfather to Wendy and Maddie Raih who brought him immense happiness. He was the son of the late Victor and Mary Sikora and the proud brother of Doug (Cathy) Sikora and brother-in-law Dr. Gary (Kathy) Olhoeft. He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Marty was born on October 26, 1950, in Duquesne, Pennsylvania and grew up in Wadsworth, Ohio. He graduated from Wittenberg University where he met Jan, his wife of 51 years. He served in the Naval Reserve after graduation. After marrying Jan in 1973, they went to Appleton, WI where Marty earned his Masters and PhD at The Institute of Paper Chemistry, Lawrence University, in Appleton, WI.

He spent over 22 years in the paper industry with his career culminating in the position of Vice President. Following his career in the paper industry, he was appointed Chair of the Paper Science and Engineering Dept. at Miami University in Oxford, OH in 1998 and began his own specialty packaging and shipping business in Cincinnati, OH in 2006.

Marty was an avid supporter of Breakthrough T1D (formerly known as JDRF) having been elected to the board of directors in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota and Cincinnati, Ohio. He raised funds for diabetes research through participating in walk-a-thons and Ride to Cure century bike rides. He enthusiastically trained and rode his bike 100 miles in White Fish, Montana; La Crosse, Wisconsin; Amelia Island, FL; Nashville, TN; and numerous times in Death Valley, CA . . . . his favorite ride.

He was an expert marksman who loved hunting and fishing. He proudly supported his daughters during their high school and college tennis careers and his granddaughters during their softball games and equestrian events. Ever the scientist, he loved doing science experiments with his granddaughters. Even teaching them to make cotton candy became a science experiment…but they had to wear their safety goggles! And of course he taught them to make paper.

As a native of Pittsburgh, he loved his Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates and Penguins with the Steelers logo gracing most of his wardrobe.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held at 2 PM on Friday, August 23, 2024 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 101 S. Lebanon Road, Loveland, OH 45140, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 3 PM. There will be a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations may be made for diabetes research to Breakthrough T1D (formerly known as JDRF or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), 8035 Hosbrook Rd., Suite 210, Cincinnati, OH 45236 or online at http://www2.breakthrought1d.org/goto/MartinSikora