Donald L. Martin

Donald L. Martin, 90, Rothschild passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 while under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Mount View Care Center, Wausau. He is survived by his wife Rose M. (Duir) Martin of Mosinee.

He was born May 26, 1930 in Rothschild, son of the late Anton and Hazel (Kirtley) Martin and grew up in the village. When he was young he worked at the Rothschild Pavilion Roller Rink and Schaumburger’s Grocery Store. He married his “valentine” Rose on February 14, 1953 at St. Therese Catholic, Rothschild.

At the age of 18 Don went to Camp Breckenridge, Kentucky for Army Basic training. In 1949 he shipped out of San Francisco Bay for Japan where he served during the Korean War.  After the war he enlisted in the Wisconsin Army National Guard where he served for 43 years.  Places of active duties during his career were: Fort Lewis, Washington, Madison, Gresham, Waupun, and Germany. He was recalled to active duty during Desert Storm and was in charge of the Family Assistance Center. He achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer W-4.

His many hobbies included deer hunting with “The Mahogany Ridge Gang,” fishing, music, bowling, dartball, and cribbage (he would pay $25 for the “perfect hand”). He enjoyed many family vacations in the Northwoods and his favorite place was Oxbow Lake in Vilas County.  In the summer he would use his detailed “lists” to pack up the station wagon and boat to the brim, then have the 6 kids along with Rose all jump in.  We would head up north for some of the best family memories of our lives. One of the highlights of his life was that he taught all his children and grandchildren how to play cribbage, sheepshead, and how to clean fish (even the girls). Our many family dogs also held a very special place in his heart.  One of his favorite sayings was, “never drive past an ice cream shop twice, pull in!”

Time spent with National Guard and neighborhood friends added a life time of wonderful memories. Don was a charter member of St. Mark Catholic Church where he volunteered for many parish functions over the years.

Survivors include his loving wife, Rose M. Martin, Rothschild, his children, James (Virginia) Martin, Rothschild, Richard (Lynn) Martin, Presque Isle, Jerome (Cynthia) Martin, Appleton, Robert (Tamara) Martin, Mosinee, Mary Martin, Rothschild and Ann (Douglas) Leopold, Merrill, 12 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, his sister-in-law, Ina Martin, Rothschild and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by one brother, John “Jack” Martin and twin granddaughters.

The family would like to express their heart-felt thank you to the staff of Mt. View Nursing Home Memory Care and Aspirus Hospice Care. A special thank you to his granddaughter Amy Martin who works at Mt. View and who cared dearly for him.

A Private Family Funeral Liturgy will take place on Monday, February 15, 2021 at St. Mark Catholic Church, Rothschild (masks required).  The Rev. Allan Slowiak will preside.  Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery where full military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Plant Dudley Post #10. Public visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.  Masks and social distancing are required. In lieu of flowers memorials, can be directed to St. Mark Catholic Church at 602 Military Rd, Rothschild, WI 54474 or Mt. View Care Center (Memory Care) 2400 Marshall St, Wausau, WI 54403. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com