Joseph Martin Bielefeldt

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Martin Bielefeldt, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who left this world on June 30, 2025, at the age of 80. Born on March 9, 1945, Marty lived a life of love, creativity, and service, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Marty grew up in Tempe, Arizona, with loving parents who showed him the joy of creating, the reward of hard work, and a curiosity for family histories; Traits that he carried throughout his life. He spent his childhood summers in Show Low, Arizona, where he was given the freedom to roam the great outdoors with his cousins, setting the foundation for his lifetime of service in the Boy Scouts.

Marty met his sweetheart Sylvia at the LDS Institute at ASU. Sylvia was instantly smitten with Marty for his red hair and Marty thought Sylvia was beautiful.  They were both shy so they needed a little nudging in the beginning by each other’s sisters. But soon they began to date, going to church dances, activities, and firesides, as well as lots of just being together and enjoying one another’s company.  They soon fell in love and were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple on July 18th 1968.

After graduating from Arizona State University in 1972 with a degree in education and art, Marty moved his little family to Heber, Arizona where he taught elementary school for two years, and then taught for a year in Pine, Arizona where he was also an early morning seminary teacher. He directed the end-of-the-school-year play, the Wizard of OZ. Most of the town attended the play and it was written up in the Payson Roundup as the best production the school had ever done. Marty was a gifted artist whose passion for creativity was evident in every aspect of his life. He shared his talent and love for art as an educator, teaching art classes for Gilbert Public Schools, where he inspired countless students to explore their own creativity. His artistic spirit extended beyond the classroom, as he also worked as a custodian, landscaper, and chimney sweep, embracing every role with dedication and a sense of purpose.

As a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Marty served a mission during the 1964-1966 World’s Fair in New York, where he shared his faith and values with others. He later served a mission alongside his eternal companion, Sylvia (Sevey) Bielefeldt, in Omaha, Nebraska, and then served in the Snowflake Temple with his beloved Sylvia for years, further exemplifying his commitment to service and community.

Marty loved the outdoors and spent many weekends hiking and camping in various parts of the Arizona wilderness. He was able to teach and lead in the Boy Scouts of America as a Scoutmaster for many years. As a young scout himself he went to Camp Geronimo in the Arizona mountains where later he took his scout troop to. For never backing down from the early morning freezing polar bear plunge he won the lifetime polar bear badge. Due to his love for the Wild West and native Americans, he was able to learn primitive fire-starting skills, fashion a leather costume, and make a barrel drum with hides. Wearing this gear and creating a fire almost out of thin air, he was able to present the high achievement of the Arrow of Light to aspiring scouts. The dedication and outreach in helping the community earned him the lifetime achievement of the Silver Beaver Award. His sons and family were able to learn and gain a love for the outdoors by his example.

Marty was married to his loving companion, Sylvia, for nearly 57 years. Their partnership was a beautiful example of love, support, and devotion, and together they created a warm and nurturing home filled with laughter and creativity.

Marty’s kindness, humor, and unwavering support will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and service that will continue to inspire his family and friends for generations to come.

Marty’s greatest joy came from his family. He was a proud father to eight children. He was preceded in death by his parents Harold Martin Bielefeldt and Dessie Chesley. He is survived by his wife Sylvia Sevey, a brother Frank Bielefeldt and sister Annethel Kobus, his children Elizabeth (David) Miller of Gilbert, AZ; Melissa (Robert) Curran of Seven Hills, OH; Marsie (Benjamin) Jensen of Mesa, AZ; Hannelora Nunley of Snowflake, AZ; Eric Bielefeldt of Kansas City, MO; Joseph Bielefeldt of Coolidge, AZ; Jacob (Susie) Bielefeldt of Apache Junction, AZ; and Jared Bielefeldt of Kansas City, MO. His legacy continues through his 31 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren who will forever cherish the memories of their beloved “Santa Claus,” a role he embraced with joy and laughter during the holiday seasons.

A celebration of Marty’s life will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 580 9th St, Coolidge, AZ 85128.

Services will be as follows:

Viewing at 9:00 am, Funeral at 10:00 am.

Graveside services will be held at Mesa Cemetery at 2:00 pm.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.