William C. "Bill" Martin

May 12, 1930 - January 04, 2012

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 11:00 am at the Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home, 3720 39th Avenue.  Interment with Military Honors will follow at St. George Cemetery. 

A visitation for William will be held Saturday at the funeral home, 3720 39th Avenue from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to the Alzheimer's Association, 620 S. 76^th St., Ste. 160, Milwaukee, WI  53214 or the Arthritis National Research Foundation, 200 Oceangate, Ste. 830, Long Beach, CA  90802 would be appreciated. 

William C. "Bill" Martin, age 81, of Kenosha died on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at the Elizabeth Residence, Caledonia with family at his side.

He was born on May 12, 1930 in Kenosha to the late Ernest and Hattie (Ricke) Martin.  He graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in 1949 and attended Ripon College where he met Joanne D. Aschenbrenner who would later become his wife.  William served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953.  He was awarded the Korean Service and U.N. Service Medals.

On April 7, 1956 he was united in marriage to Joanne at Holy Name Church in Racine, WI.  She preceded him in death on June 1, 2011.  William was a member of St. George Parish and more recently, St. Elizabeth Parish.  William was active as a basketball and football coach in the CYC organization during the 1970's and also coached basketball at St. George School from 1974 to 1976.   He enjoyed gardening, fishing, boating, making custom golf clubs, giving golf lessons and was an outstanding golfer, winning various tournaments throughout his life.

William was employed as a pipe fitter and storekeeper at the Wisconsin Natural Gas Company from 1954 until his retirement in 1995.  A devoted grandfather, he would spend much of his early retirement with his grandchildren teaching them to fish and golf.  Family was the cornerstone of his life.  He was never too busy to lend a helping hand or an encouraging word.  While he knew the value of discipline and a strong education, he was also the one to look for fun in most any circumstance. 

William is survived by his loving family:  Children, Linda Martin (Kevin Schlutz), Gail Coleman (Steven Clavette), Craig (Barbara) Martin and Kathryn Martin.  Five grandchildren:  Stephanie Coleman, David Coleman, Michelle Martin, Ryan Martin and Kyle Martin.  Sisters:  Violet Desotell, Bertha "Lou" (Howard) Zelenski and Brothers:  Leslie (Florence) Martin of Florida, Elmer (Cam) Martin of Minoqua, WI and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his spouse and parents, he was preceded in death by two Brothers: Herbert Martin and Laurence Martin; a Sister, Helen (Barndollar) Nimmerguth and Son-In-Law, Steven J. Coleman. 

Special thanks to all caregivers at Elizabeth Residence, Caledonia who welcomed our Father "Grandpa" to his second home and became a part of his family.