Mario "Gordo" Castro Martinez

Mario Castro Martinez, age 57 of Elkhart, IN passed away with his family by his side on Saturday, September 4, 2026. He was born on June 3, 1969 in Mexico City, Mexico to Mario Castro and Yolanda Martinez. He married the love of his life on April 11, 1990 in Mexico and he professed his love to her 25 years later, where his marriage was blessed in Elkhart, IN.

Mario or as he was most affectionally known as “Gordo”! He was always working on home remodeling projects, from painting to big or small repairs, then was known as Mario the builder. He even did car repairs, and if he didn’t know how to fix the problem, he would go online and figure it out. Most of all he loved to spend time with his family. Super Mario will be sadly missed.

Mario is survived by his wife over 36 years, Karol; their children, Leon (Perla) Islas, Samara Islas and Sheyla (Joaquin) Herrera all of Elkhart, IN; his mom, Yolanda Martinez of Mexico grandchildren Leon Islas, Sharlyn Islas, Alan Herrera, Leonardo Islas, Natalie Herrera and Jacob Herrera; great-grandchildren Leah and Leonel; as well as hi siblings, Adriana Castro, Marioalberto Castro, Raymundo Castro and Isabel Castro. Mario was preceded in death by his dad, Mario Castro.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 pm on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 where the Rosary will be prayed at 6 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 am on Friday, September 11, 2026 at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, 1108 South Main Street, Elkhart, IN 46516 where visitation will be from 10am -11am. Online condolences may be made to Mario’s family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com