Marty Blitstein, a longtime officer with the Route 66 Association of Illinois, died in a hospice Sunday after a short illness. He was 80.
The association’s website announced his death this week. It described his effects on the organization:
Among the highlights were revitalizing its membership and Treasury. He collaborated with Betty Estes to facilitate the moving of the Hall of Fame from the Dixie Truckers’ Home in McLean, IL to its current location in the old Fire Station in Pontiac. Intensely dedicated to product and quality, Marty ensured that our Association thrived by adeptly managing the pricing on Motor Tours, clothing and events. He proved an ardent fundraiser for our award-winning Preservation Committee.
It doesn’t state how long Blitstein was with the association, but he was a key member when we joined more than 20 years ago.
Services will be held Sunday at Lawn Funeral Home in Tinley Park, Illinois. A wake will be from 2 to 6 p.m. with a short memorial service at 4 p.m. Interment will be private.
Survivors include his best friend and partner, Cathie Stevanovich; his children and their spouses: Marc (Kathy) of Diamond, Illinois, Steve (Judi) of Tinley Park and Scott (Gina) of Park Forest, Illinois; and grandchildren Cyle, Molly, Ryan, Mackenzie, Seth and Jack.
“Marty had a special relationship with Ian Stevanovich (Cathie’s son) and ‘4th son’ Roy Olson,” the release stated.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be given to Lightways Hospice, Joliet, or the Route 66 Association of Illinois. For the latter, contributors are asked to refer to Blitstein so they can be thanked personally.
(Image of Marty Blitstein via the Route 66 Association of Illinois)