Leo J. Martin

Leo Joseph Martin, Wausau, 84, died Saturday, December 12, 2015 at Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau, due to complications from Alzheimer's. He was born December 1, 1931 in Eastman, son of the late William and Loretta (Boylen) Martin. On September 2, 1961, he married Ellen Winter at St. Paul University Catholic Church, Madison. Leo graduated from Seneca High School in 1949 and continued his education at the University of Wisconsin, Madison from 1951 until 1955 studying Agricultural Education. He returned to the University of Wisconsin, Madison to complete his Master's degree in Agricultural Economics in 1968. He served his country in the United States Army, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonial in 1985 after 28 years of service. After 21 years as the Marathon County Farm Management agent, Leo began an active retirement that focused on helping people. He provided education and worked to improve living conditions and opportunities for people in communities around the world, with organizations including Helping Hands. He served on many boards, including the Marathon County Board and the Historical Society and Library Boards. He was an active member of civic organizations including the Noon Optimists, and St Matthew's parish, where he was known for helping people feel welcome in the congregation. He attributed his love of words, jokes and puns to his proud Irish heritage. Survivors include his wife, Ellen Martin, Wausau; children, Mary (Robert) Snieckus, Silver Spring, MD, Michael (Stacey) Martin, Madison and Kathleen (Brian Martin) Fruchterman, San Jose, CA; grandchildren, Brian (Camila) Martin, Madison, Kirstin Martin, Madison and Ruth Chapman, Silver Spring, MD; brothers, William (Joanne) Martin, Bagley, Raymond (Luella) Martin, Wauzeka, Mark (Barb) Martin, Eastman and Edward (Priscilla) Martin, Stoddard; sisters, Marcia Campbell, Springfield, VA, Elaine Magdalenski, Newburyport, MA and Joan Hartley, Seneca; sister-in-law, Virginia (Wesley) Stevens, Canada along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Mary Joanne. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon on Thursday December 17, 2015 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Robert Thorn and Rev. Samuel Martin will preside. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Madison. Friends may call on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau and again on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a parish prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Stewart Avenue funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com