Martin David “Marty” Yetzer, 48, also known to his high school friends as Luther, passed away at his home in Columbus, Ohio on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017.
Marty was born in Shelby, Ohio on March 9, 1969 to Marlene J. (Shedenhelm) and David J. Yetzer. He was the only boy surrounded by three sisters. Marty always noticed a great pair of shoes which he attributed to his siblings’ influence.
Marty attended St. Mary’s for elementary school and graduated from Shelby Senior High School in 1987 with honors. He also played football and tennis. So many of his classmates have stated no one could ever forget Marty once you met him. These classmates remained among his closest friends.
Marty touched so many lives and was a friend to everyone. After high school, Marty attended The Ohio State University where he fell in love with the hospitality industry. He loved working behind the bar where everyone knew his name and he knew yours. Marty “held court” on High Street where he eventually owned Co-eds, one the campus bars, at the young age of 22.
He left Columbus to work in the famous French Quarters of New Orleans at Howl at the Moon. Marty’s mission in life was taking care of people. He loved his time and friends in New Orleans, but Marty missed the Midwest. He moved to Chicago, then Cleveland, followed by Detroit, managing a couple of national restaurant chains, before returning to Columbus so he could be close to his family.
Marty didn’t make new friends – he collected them. People flocked to that easy smile and gregarious personality with a bear hug like no other. The common theme throughout the discussion of his life is that he had the biggest heart and gentle way about him that made others feel at home.
He worked hard to see others happy. Marty’s friends were also his family and he treated them as such.
He was formerly the General Manager at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse at Tuttle Crossing and was currently the Manager at Chili’s Grill and Bar Restaurant on Dublin-Granville Road.
Marty was a businessman. He was the owner of Buckeye Power Washing working long hours to fulfill his commitments. When he wasn’t working, he spent time perfecting his home, taking pictures floating in his pool, or making sure his house was decorated just right for any holiday.
He was a Buckeyes and Blue Jackets fan through and through. He enjoyed golfing in his free time.
Marty is survived by: his father: David J. Yetzer, of Shelby; three sisters: Kathleen Yetzer Cyphert, of Washington, D.C., Elaine (Mark) Fagan, of Shelby, Linda (Joe) Burke, of Cincinnati; three nephews: John Cyphert, of Madison, Wisconsin, C.J. Fagan, of Shelby, and Joseph Burke, of Cincinnati; and family friend: Mike Cyphert.
He was preceded in death by his beloved mother: Marlene J. Yetzer in 2013; paternal grandparents: Joseph and Catharine Yetzer; and maternal grandparents: Robert and Vera Shedenhelm.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where a Christian Wake Services will be held at 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 26 West Street, Shelby, with Fr. Chris Mileski celebrating. Burial will follow in Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial expressions may be made to Shelby Athletic Boosters. To leave a message of sympathy or to share a memory with the Yetzer family, please visit www.turnerfuneralhomeshelby.com.
