Stephen Henry Martinat

Stephen Henry “Steve” Martinat, 74, of Valdese, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday August 6, 2025, at his residence.

Steve was born on December 13, 1950, in Burke County, to the late Valdo Stephen Martinat and Mary Rostan Martinat in Valdese, NC. He graduated from Valdese High School and continued his education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He received a masters degree in counseling from Appalachian State University and was retired from Burke County Public Schools as a school counselor.

He was a dedicated member of the Waldensian Presbyterian Church, actively participating in various committees and serving as the current Chairman of the cemetery committee. He was also actively involved with the Waldensian Heritage Museum and the Le Phare Des Alpes (LPDA), reflecting his commitment to the community. Steve will be dearly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Anthony Stephen Martinat.

Surviving is his wife, Laura Jaynes Martinat of the home; his son, Rob Martinat and wife Stacey of Valdese; his daughter, Julia Martinat Turner and husband Grayson of Valdese; his grandchildren, Lauryn Turner, Palmer Turner and Henry Martinat; two step-sons, Ian Waters and wife Elcheva of WA and Isaac Waters and girlfriend Tricia Kerr of Hickory; and step-grandchildren, Krystina Waters van Rossum, Tyler Waters, Justin Waters and Sasha Spicer; also surviving are numerous cousins, and extended family members.

A Graveside Service will be held at 10:15 A.M. on Monday August 11, 2025, at the Waldensian Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday August 11, 2025, in the sanctuary of Waldensian Presbyterian Church in Valdese, officiating Rev. Matt Matthews, and Rev. Rachel Matthews.

A visitation and reception will follow the service in Pioneer Hall at Waldensian Presbyterian Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Waldensian Presbyterian Church, 109 Main Street East Valdese, NC 28690, or Waldensian Heritage Museum, 208 Rodoret Street Valdese, NC 28690 or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at www.aspf.org.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com.

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is serving the Martinat Family.