Robert D. "Bob" Martin, 78, a long-time resident of Gays Mills, passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2013, at Bland Bekkedal Hospice Center in Viroqua, with his family at his side.
He was born on April 19, 1935, in Gays Mills, the son of the late Byrd and Agnes (Nicholson) Martin, and on June 4, 1960, he was united in marriage to Carol Olson at United Methodist Church in Cuba City.
Bob was a lifelong educator; he graduated from Gays Mills High School in 1953. Bob attended U. W. Platteville graduating with a teaching degree and received his Masters degree from Winona State University. Following college, he taught physical education, history, driver's education and coached. He worked for the school districts of Gays Mills, Prairie du Chien, Ridgeway, was principal at Desoto and North Crawford and guidance counselor at North Crawford and Boscobel. Bob retired in 1993.
He was a member of Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Gays Mills. He enjoyed woodworking. Among items he crafted were anniversary plaques, eagles and wood items for the students in Carol's class who were learning the alphabet. He also enjoyed coin collecting and was an ardent Viking fan.
Those Bob leaves behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 53 years, Carol; four children, Kevin (Hayley) Martin of Winona, Kim Martin (Scott Meisel) of Winona, John (Shelly) Martin of Menomonee Falls and Deana (Mark) Ambrose of La Crosse; a sister, Ida Lowe of Gays Mills; eight grandchildren, Kyle and Allison Martin, Lucas (Kayla) Tschumper, Sean (Brooke)Tschumper, Drew (Amanda) Ambrose, Marissa and Jerred Ambrose and Connor Martin; a great-granddaughter, Amaya, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth (Isabelle) and Lawrence (Phyllis) Martin and a brother-in-law, Lorenzo "Scrub" Lowe.
Funeral services for Bob were held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2013, at the Vosseteig Funeral Home in Gays Mills. Pastor Lorie Betz officiated and burial followed in the Gays Mills Cemetery.
The Martin family greeted relatives and friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services.
Memorials were preferred in lieu of flowers.