Richard “Dick” Martin
On Friday, June 28th, Richard “Dick” Martin of Green Bay passed away at the age of 81. Dick was born on June 13, 1938, in Green Bay, WI, to Kenneth and Lorraine (Aerts) Martin. He married Joanne B. Gillis on February 3, 1968. After serving in the Army, Dick took over management of Martin Hardware with his brother David and cousin Jeff, eventually becoming the 3rd generation of the Martin family to own the business.
Dick was an avid airplane enthusiast. He loved all things related to flying. He created Martin’s Aerodrome, an official airport, in his backyard where he built and rebuilt several airplanes. In 1979, his Howard DGA-15P (DGA stands for “Damn Good Airplane”) won Grand Champion Antique at the EAA Fly-In Convention, one of the world’s premier aviation events. His knowledge of airplanes was so extensive that he was sought out by people from around the world. His second great passion was guns and hunting. He brought this passion to the hardware store, making the Martin Hardware Gun Department the place to go in northern Wisconsin for new and used guns. Because of all these experiences, Dick had friends everywhere. He hunted with friends in Mexico and England, hosted hardware store owners from Russia, and talked airplanes with people from around the world. He was full of knowledge which he shared freely through what we lovingly refer to as “Dickisms.” Never missing a chance to experience something new, Dick lived life to the fullest.
Dick was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy (Martin) Schoenleber, and brother Dennis Martin. He is survived by his wife; brothers, David and Douglas Martin; his sister, Deborah (Martin) Lyons; his children, Molly Martin, Jennifer Susan (Martin) Farinelli, Dennis Martin, Kathleen Martin and Andrew Martin; and nine grandchildren.
Visitation will be at Proko-Wall Funeral Home,1630 E. Mason St., on July 7th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. with a Parish Wake Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay, 140 S. Monroe Ave., on Monday, July 8th from 10:00-10:45 a.m. with Very Rev. Brian Belongia officiating the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Online condolences may be expressed at www.Prokowall.com.