Sept. 25, 2017 – Lomira, WI – Joseph “Joe” B. Martin Jr., 74, transitioned to eternal life on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, at his childhood home surrounded by family and friends.
Joe was born in Milwaukee at St. Mary’s Hospital on October 17, 1942, to the late Peggy and Joe Martin. His family and he moved out to West Bend in 1958, where he graduated high school and won a swimming scholarship to Platteville University.
After studying to be a veterinarian for two years, he left college and married the late Cindy Westenberger on April 29, 1967.
They purchased a historic farmhouse in Lomira in 1970. Joe and Cindy worked their mini farm and were active antique dealers and collectors for over 20 years. Joe also worked for his father doing construction before settling in with Carmel Builders in Menomonee Falls as their Construction Manager, where he retired in 2010.
During this time period, Joe and Cindy helped found and charter the Horicon Marsh Bowmen Archery Club where they served terms as President and Secretary.
They became active Scouting Leaders in the Bay Lakes Council where Joe served as the leader for Troop #740 for over twenty-one years, and they were also passionate participants in the St. Mary’s Choir of Lomira. Joe also joined the Lomira Fire Department and served as a volunteer Firefighter (level 1 and 2) and EMT for over 35 years, and in 2010, he was awarded “Firefighter of the Year” by the LFD.
He was a proud member of Fur Takers of America, National Trappers Association, and WI Trappers Association. Joe was also a Trapper’s Education Instructor for the State of WI for over twenty-five years and a Gun Safety Instructor for three years.
Joe’s life was filled with many adventures and various interests surrounding the outdoors, educating others, training youth in construction and outdoor life skills, his family and friends, grilling and smoking food, and Door County, WI, where Cindy and he owned a home in Sister Bay. Joe was a character who spoke his mind, told many great stories and loved living an active life. His lessons, infectious smile and unfadable spirit will live on forever in our memories and hearts.
Those Joe leaves behind to cherish his memory include four children, Jennifer (John Kohnert) Martin, Scott (Tina) Martin, Jessica (Karl) Schneider, and Patrick Martin; seven grandchildren, Dalton and Miranda Schneider, Ben and Lyndsey Martin, and Connor, Arrah, and Colton Markohn; a brother Tom (Rose Ann) Martin; special friends, Linda Dehnert, Joan Remmel, Buddy Schieble, Johnny Fransee, Brian Jordan, Dora and Fran Fronek, and Catherine Jimenez; numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law in the Westenberger family; his “Best Girl”, Nora; other relatives and many friends.
In addition to his parents and wife, Joe was preceded in death by his parents-in-laws Kurt Westenberger and Mardi (Larry) Larson, his brother-in-law, Andy Westenberger, and his special furry girls, Mariah and Jasmine.
A Memorial Mass for Joe will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29, 2017, at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 406 Jefferson St. in West Bend with Rev. Justin Lopina officiating.
The Martin family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Friday from 2 p.m. until the time of Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are appreciated.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sarah Westenberger for remaining involved in Joe’s life after Cindy’s death and to all the amazing and loving participants of The Soul Source community who delivered meals, helped care for and hold Joe and his family in their prayers.
The Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Homes have been entrusted with Joe’s arrangements.