Greg Martens

Greg Martens, 92, Oconto Falls, died peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015, at a Madison-area hospice care facility. He was born March 13, 1923, in Coleman to Charles and Julia (Rabichaud) Martens. Following graduation from high school and attending college in Oshkosh, Greg entered the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, now known as the U.S. Air Force, and served as a bombardier with the 351st Bomb Group, stationed in Polebrook, England, while flying 35 missions over Germany. On June 23, 1945, he married the love of his life, Margaret “Marg” Kadlec, in Midland, Texas. They moved back to Oconto Falls, where Greg owned and operated the West Side Mart until he retired in 1982. He also owned grocery stores in Crandon and Spencer. Greg and Marg spent many years enjoying their cottage on Cranberry Lake near Eagle River, where Greg became well known as a great musky fisherman. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Oconto Falls and was a Third- and Fourth-Degree Knight of Columbus. Greg also served on the founding board of directors for River Island Golf Club in Oconto Falls, the Oconto Falls Water & Light Commission and once served as president of the Oconto Falls Businessmen’s Association. He was also a member of Oconto Falls American Legion Post No. 302. Survivors are his two children, Kerry (Eileen) Martens, Appleton, and Dr. JoAnn (Drew Kottke) Martens, Waunakee; six grandchildren, Brandon and Kristin Martens, Aaron and Christopher Kottke, Bridy and Kurt Bless; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Jim Martens, Arizona; two sisters, Sally Kelly, Texas, and Betty (Brian) Smith, California; one brother-in-law, Jim (Mary) Kadlec, Oconto; many nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Dottie Trudell, Oconto Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marg, in 2000; and a daughter, Linda. There will be no visitation. Mass of Christian Burial with the urn present will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 11, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Oconto Falls. Burial with military honors will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Oconto Falls. Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls is serving the Martens family.