Charles Martin
Charles J. Martin, 73, Marathon, died Sunday, July 12, 2020, at his summer home in Tomahawk.
He was born Nov. 23, 1946, in Marathon, son of the late Ludwig and Rose (Hornung) Martin. He lived his whole life in the community of Marathon that he so loved, leaving only to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years. He was stationed in California before being deployed to Vietnam, serving as a jet mechanic in heavy combat areas during the Vietnam War.
Following the incredible sacrifices Chuck made in service to our country, he was then incredibly blessed to meet a beautiful girl in his hometown. On May 13, 1972, he married the love of his life and devoted wife of 47 years, Anita Handrick, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marathon. This same church would be where Chuck and Anita would devote their Catholic life, educate their family, serve the parish, and witness the marriages and baptisms of many of their children and grandchildren. Chuck continued his service to the parish community, serving on the school’s board and as a driving force behind St. Mary’s school’s building addition. Chuck was also heavily involved in many other community groups including the Boy Scouts, Marathon softball and baseball, and American Legion Post #469. Chuck truly believed in bringing the Marathon community together, which he demonstrated as co-founder of the annual Legends Car Show.
Chuck worked as a sales representative in the paper packaging industry with PCA. This incredibly successful career lasted 31 years. Anyone who knew Chuck can agree, he was perfectly suited for a job he truly loved. Outside his work Chuck made the most of enjoying his time with family and friends. He was an avid lover of the outdoors, most especially fishing, hunting, golfing and traveling.
His roles of father and grandfather were also ones he dearly cherished. He could often be found coaching a baseball game, sitting in the stands cheering them on, teaching them to hunt or fish, putting together a puzzle, or letting them serve as “First Mate” driving the boat out on the lake. He taught his children and grandchildren to try new things, believe in their abilities, be willing to fail and learn from that failure, have an opinion but be open to others, but above all, love with all your heart. He was known by many for his charismatic style, sense of humor, positive outlook, and support for anyone and everyone who needed it. Everyone he met became a “Really Neat Guy” to Chuck, always eager to meet someone new or have another encounter with an old or interesting friend. Chuck truly believed in the best in everyone and strove to live by those words. We will miss his infectious smile and the hug that always accompanied it. Survivors include his wife, Anita; four children: Aaron (Melanie) Martin, Marathon, and their daughters: Maddie, Paige, Eve and Clare; Michael (Stefanie) Martin, Wausau; Connie (James) Ison, Wausau, and their sons: Kestler and Orion; Timothy Martin, at home; four siblings: Ed (Joanne) Martin, Fla., Lenore (Owen) Brady, West Bend, Joan (Lavern) Stencil, Marathon and James (Donna) Martin, Stevens Point; and a sister-inlaw, Grace Martin, Kimberly. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Louis Martin.
Visitation was on Friday, July 17, 2020, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at St. Mary Church, Marathon. Visitation continued on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The funeral Mass was celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 18, 2020, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier presided, with limited seating of 125. Burial will be in the parish cemetery at a later date.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the Lake Nokomis EMTs and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department for their compassionate care.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Paid obituary 91957
