Edward A. Martinko passed away on September 16, 2025. He was 80 years old. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 2 at 2:00 pm at the Armitage Educational Center located in the Kansas University Field Station. All who knew and loved Ed are encouraged to attend.
Ed was the retired Director of KU’s Biological Survey and Professor of Biology. In his capacity as Director, he provided excellent leadership and support to many scientists focused on ecological research on environmental problems. Ed gave expertise in places around the world including University of New England in Australia. Nationally in the USA he worked at NASA and the US Environmental Protection Agency. In Kansas, he served as President of the Entomological Society and the Kansas Water Authority. At KU, he served on 20 committees. He would be most pleased and remembered for the contribution he made to bringing the Field Station to maturity. It is now open to the public and does amazing programming for all ages but especially schoolchildren.
Ed was the Primary Investigator and author of over 100 research grants that provided KU and the State of Kansas with over twenty-one million dollars. He also had over 100 presentations and written articles. Many of these were about his interest and expertise in remote sensing in agriculture and preservation of natural resources. Ed was the recipient of many awards for his contributions to various professional endeavors.
Ed was born in August 1945 in Colorado Springs. His boyhood and K-12 education were spent there, graduating from Wasson High School. While growing up he enjoyed singing in various choirs and playing the accordion. And won prizes for his accordion playing. Upon graduating from Wasson High, Ed decided to exchange his home in the mountains for the Flint Hills of Kansas. He used his Merit Scholarship to attend College of Emporia, a small Presbyterian liberal arts school. He majored in biology and was also active in singing, travelling around the country with the C of E Chorale. Four years later he returned to his home state, to work on a master’s degree in biology at University of Colorado. After receiving his MS degree, he received a graduate fellowship to begin work on a doctorate in biology at KU. Soon, he received his Ph.D. in Biology and began a lifelong academic career at the University of Kansas.
On May 28, 1977, a day he considered “the best day of my life” he married Nancy Hale, a Lawrence native. They remained a “dynamic duo minus the capes” travelling the world together until Nancy’s death in 2021. They had many friends in Lawrence. Thay had very special friends, Paul and Stacey in Kentucky, Bob and Alice, as well as Jerry and Gwen in Tennessee who will miss Ed. He is survived by a sister, Patricia, Nephew Joe and Niece Julie, and Nancy’s brother Ken.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ed Martinko’s name to: KU Endowment for the Kansas Biological Survey.
I wanted to express sadness over the loss of Ed. Although we worked together on various committees at University of Kansas, my favorite memory of him was when we were both out of town and ran into each other at a scientific meeting. There was a pause in the program and the two of us had a lovely chat. I am sorry that I’ll be out of town for the memorial service. Sincerely, Helen Alexander
Patricia—- We are so sorry for your loss. I have known Nancy and Ed since the early 80’s— they both helped me get thru my dissertation! If there is anything I can do to help with Ed’s house— please let me know— I live in Kansas City.