Martin was born December 10, 1916 in Kingsburg County, DeSmet, South, Dakota to the late Mr. and Mrs. August Guse. He moved to Wisconsin 60 years ago and farmed most of his young life. He married Lila Cartzke April 28, 1945 in the Town of Grover. Martin moved to Lena in 1952 and bought his own farm. Later he moved to Gillett where he also purchased a farm. He was employed by Whiting's Cheese and Warvel Products as a night watchman.
He was also employed by Tousey Manufacturing, and spent the last 14 years as a bartender for Bergs Bar in Suring. Martin was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Maple Valley. He was a very humorous individual and truly enjoyed joking and his many friends. Survivors include his wife Lila of Gillett; two daughters, Jean Thomson and her three children Steven, Lila, and Marty; a foster daughter, Jeanette Mittag and her son Steve and six girls and one great-granddaughter.
Martin was preceded in death by three brothers, Elmer, Fred and Richard; five sisters, Esther, Bernice, Gladys, Florence and Mildred; two infant brothers; one daughter, Mary Jane; his grandson, Brian Mittag, and his pet dog, Taffy.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 7, 2000 at Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring starting at 5 p.m. until funeral services 7 p.m. at the Funeral Home with Pastor Russell Kampfer officiating. Burial in Maple Valley Lutheran Cemetery.