Paul Martens
May 19, 1943 - August 04, 2016
Obituary
Paul “Joe” D. Martens, 73, of Waupaca, WI, formerly of Platteville, WI, passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2016 after a long courageous battle with pancreatic/liver cancer. He died at home comforted and surrounded by his loving family. Celebration of life will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville. Stephanie Seefeldt will officiate. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery, Platteville. Friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday, August 8, 2016 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, or from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. Since the family lives out of town, in lieu of plants and flowers, memorials may be made to the Paul D. “Joe” Martens Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com.
Joe was born on May 19, 1943 in Cuba City, WI, the son of Donald E. and Helen G. (Smythe) Martens. He graduated from Platteville High School in 1961. On February 22, 1964 he married his high school sweetheart, Judy Cushman, at the First Congregational Church UCC in Platteville. Joe worked for his father, Don Martens, as a carpenter, for many years. In 1976 he formed his own business, Paul Martens Builders, until 1983. He then worked for the Platteville School District for 15 years as the district carpenter. For many years Joe traveled with Judy, assisting her with meetings and sales for Medical Associates Health Plans. In 2012 Joe and Judy moved to Waupaca.
Joe is survived by his wife, Judy, of 52 years; three sons, Joe (Sara) Martens of Lindenhurst, IL, and their daughters, Elly and Halle; Jace (Angela) Martens of Cumberland, WI, and their sons, Jack and Josh; Jeremy (Tara) Martens of Weyauwega, WI; and his daughters, Molly, Megan, and Anna. Joe is also survived by three brothers, Jerry (Carol) Martens of Madison; Tom (Cindy) Martens, of Platteville; Denny Martens of Cosby, TN; five sisters, Judy (Kent) Mattoon, Marilyn “Buffy” (Mike) Weigel, Deb Schambow, Patti (Creg) Reed, and Vicki (Jack) Wolf, all of Platteville; as well as, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Helen Martens; sister, Nancy (Bob) Behrens; mother and father-in-law, Phyllis and Faun Cushman; and several nieces and nephews.