Paul M. Martorano

August 6, 1938 - October 6, 2024

Paul Michael Martorano, aged 86, was sung into heaven joining his beloved wife Jeanie, and meeting his Savior Jesus Christ, the evening of Sunday, October 6, 2024.  Paul was born in Chicago to Mike and Dorothy Martorano, met Jeanie when they were teenagers, and married after his stint in the Army.  They raised two daughters.  He went to college on the G.I. Bill, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and a Master of Science degree in Botany.  He taught at various high schools before settling in at D.C. Everest in Schofield, Wisconsin.  Along with teaching, he also served as athletic trainer, known affectionately as “Mr. Mort” or “Doc.”  During the summers he moonlighted as a landscaper and, upon retiring from teaching in the early 1980’s, founded “Paul’s Nursery” the family landscape and nursery business, with Jeanie and daughters as first employees.

Paul loved sports and the outdoors.  Whether hunting, fishing, or just out for a stroll with Jean and one of their canines, he loved the fresh air, the grassy earth underfoot, and hearing the birds sing.  Their “Corporate Lodge,” as they dubbed their cabin, was a particularly welcome refuge filled with Jeanie’s puzzles and Paul’s fishing tackle; always being careful not to disturb the wandering Ursus and other wildlife. Paul along with Jeanie were avid sports fans, following the Wausau Wisconsin Woodchucks summer baseball team and the adored Green Bay Packers.  He could often be heard repetitively grumbling, “They can’t run the ball!” A true arm chair coach.

He was an artist.  Several of his wood carved sculptures were featured in museum exhibits; Green Bay’s Neville Public Museum for one, and closer to home, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum of Wausau.  In addition to carving, he was accomplished on paper with pencil, or pen and ink.  As a music lover, he was self-taught in banjo and harmonica.

Whether in school, on the sports field, at business, in the great outdoors, or in his artistic endeavors, anyone who knew him knew where he stood as far as his love for the LORD.  A devoted member of the Wausau Bible Church he served as a board member, adult Bible study leader, mentor and more.  His desire to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ touched everyone he met.  “Well done, good and faithful servant” indeed! (Matthew 25:23)

Paul is preceded in death by his wife Regina (Bauer) Martorano, his parents Michael and Dorothy Martorano, Uncles and Aunts Henry and Melba Martorano, Lawrence Martorano, Joseph and Virginia Martorano and brother in law Dale Leander.

He is survived by daughters Karen Martorano of Chicago, IL, Susan (Rick) Friesema of Racine, WI, grandchildren Michele and Matthew Friesema of Racine, WI,  sister Joan Leander of Phoenix, AZ, niece Cindy (Cliff) Kortman of Kingwood, TX, nephews Randy (Elaine) Leander or Matthews, NC, and Kenny Leander of Mesa, AZ, and their families.

His family wishes to thank the Wausau Bible Church family for their constant compassionate care and friendship over the many years of Paul’s life.  Additional thank you to the medical staff at Wausau Aspirus who gently cared for him the last few days of his earthly life.  We praise GOD for the peace given by knowing Paul is enjoying eternal life with his Creator and Savior.

A Memorial Service will be held on October 19, 2024 at the Wausau Bible Church, 1300 Grand Avenue, Wausau, WI. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m. at the church. A livestream link will be available on request.  A luncheon will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wausau Bible Church Memorial fund to be applied to Outreach.