John L. Martin, 77, of rural Mineral Point, Wiscosnin, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 surrounded by his family. Friends may call from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 1, 2021 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Darlington, where there will be a rosary prayed at 12:30 p.m. A private family mass will be held on Monday, August 2, 2021, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Calamine, with Father Luke Syse officiating. Burial will be at Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery, Truman. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, is serving the family. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

John was born on May 13, 1944 on the family farm in Eastman, Wisconsin, the son of Leonard and Loretta (Foley) Martin. He was united in marriage to Rita Scheckel on April 23, 1966 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Madison. He graduated from Wauzeka High School, class of 1962. He worked at International Harvester, Madison, as a mechanic for 15 years. John began farming on the family farm near Eastman, Wisconsin in 1978. In 1981, he and his family moved to a farm in the Darlington/Mineral Point area where he had lived ever since. In the early 1990's, he began Martin Farm Repair on his farm where he enjoyed fixing farm equipment and anything else that was broken. John was always eager to help anyone in need. He enjoyed tractor pulling, working on antique Farmall tractors, and driving new John Deere tractors. More than anything, John enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his children and grandchildren.

John is survived by his wife, Rita; six children, Michael (Jolene) Martin, Michele (David) Doan, Lawrence (Michelle) Martin, Charlene (Hugh) Horsfall, Stuart (Ashley) Martin, Andrea (Ben) Brown; 21 grandchildren (with number 22 due in February and his first great-grandchild this fall); two sisters, Margaret (Edwin) Scheckel and Ann (Lawrence) Scheckel; one brother, James (Betty) Martin; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a special grandson, Eli Martin, his parents, sister, Mary Bridgman and father and mother-in-law, Alvin and Martha Scheckel.

John Martin

May 13, 1944 - July 28, 2021

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