Ronald G. Martin

Ronald Martin, 80, of Westby, formerly of Pittsville died Thursday, May 20, 2010 Ronald Gale Martin, 80, of Pittsville, passed away at his daughters home in Westby, with her at his side, after a strong battle with cancer. He was born Dec. 29th 1929 in Chicago to William and Gertrude (Lipold) Martin. He served in the US Army in 1947-1948. Following his service, he lived for some time in Seattle, working for the railroad before returning to Wisconsin. He married and was divorced from Elizabeth in the late 50's and they had one daughter, Lynn. He married Mary Ellen Sommers in 1960 and was later divorced. They had two daughters, Kim and Ellen. He married his present wife, Margaret Hanutke, in 1974. Ronald was a truck driver for some time and then became a carpenter. He is a lifelong member of the Wisconsin Carpenters Union. People will remember Ronald when they look at something he built or fixed for them. He loved the outdoors and "putzing" in his barn with his cats at his side, sitting with friends and family at the picnic table telling stories, gardening and feeding the deer. He had a special place in his heart for the cats he rescued and spoiled through the years. Ronald and his two cats lived with his daughter and son in law, Kim and Al Larson, in Westby for the last year of his life. It was an honor for them to be able to spend those last days with him and will have nothing but happy memories. Peace be with you dad, we will never forget you, and will always love you. Ronald was preceded in death by his mother, Gertrude, in 1978; his father, William in 1987; and a daughter, Ellen in 1980. He is survived by his wife Margaret Martin of Wisconsin Rapids; A daughter, Lynn (Dan) Retzer of Adams; 3 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; a daughter Kim (Alan) Larson of Westby; a granddaughter, Sonjia (Jim) Barton of Holmen; one great-granddaughter Alexis; a brother Byron Jepson of Pittsville; four stepchildren: Jean (Herbert) Shoemaker, Tom (Dale) Hanutke, Frank (Pat) Hanutke of City Point and Jane (Terry) Smith of Pittsville; and 10 step-grandchildren.A private family memorial will take place at a later date in City Point. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is assisting the family.