David O. Martin
March 7, 1931–January 22, 2025
David O. Martin, 93, died peacefully on Jan. 22, 2025, at his home on the Wisconsin River near Muscoda. He was born in Appleton on March 7, 1931, to Fin and Marion Martin.
He graduated from Neenah High School in 1949, attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and attained a degree in Forestry from the University of Michigan.
After receiving his degree, he served his country in the Army Corps of Engineers from 1954 to 1956 and was stationed in Germany where he led a unit in rebuilding numerous bridges throughout the war-torn country. Upon his return to the United States, he began working as a forester for the Kimberly Clark Corporation. In October of 1956, he married Ann Schelfhout and to that union was born three children; Susan, Thomas and Ellen.
In 1960, Dave was elected to the Wisconsin Assembly and represented Neenah-Menasha from 1961-1971. He ran as the Republican candidate for Lt. Governor on the ticket with Jack Olson against Patrick Lucey and Martin Schreiber.
During his tenure in the Legislature, Dave was known for his ability to work in a bipartisan manner to achieve passage of important legislation. Issues related to the environment, education, economic development and good government were important to him. Two signature legislative initiatives attributed to Representative Martin were the Wisconsin Wild Rivers law, which passed both houses of the Legislature unanimously, and establishment of the Wisconsin Vocational Technical System, which he co-authored with former Representative David Obey. He held numerous leadership roles and committee chairs, including Assistant Majority Leader. He worked with former Governors Gaylord Nelson and Warren Knowles during the 1960’s, which he termed “the environmental decade” in Wisconsin, on a number of important bills that laid the foundation for future initiatives to establish Wisconsin as a national leader in environmental protection and outdoor recreation. He also met Representative Jim Azim of Muscoda and together they travelled to each other’s districts, which eventually led to Dave’s love of the Wisconsin River and the Driftless Region, where he established his retirement home.
Following his career at the State Capitol, Dave returned to work for Kimberly Clark (1956-1985) as Manager of Government Relations. Then, he moved to an Associate Vice-President of Business/University Relations position with the University of Wisconsin System (1985-1993) until his retirement. Dave met a lovely kindergarten teacher, Joan, and their romance eventually led to marriage. They were able to spend many happy years together until her death in 2023. They purchased the Marquette Café and Bar in Marquette, Iowa, in the 1990’s and would make the 100-mile round trip almost every day enjoying their customers and staff in the historic building on the Mississippi River.
Dave remained active in Republican politics throughout his life, including the 2024 elections. He also served on the board of several organizations and supported many other groups. He served on the board of Common Cause of Wisconsin because of his commitment to clean government and fair elections. He served as Richland County representative to the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board. He was President of the Three Eagles Foundation, Inc., which seeks to protect a sacred effigy mound site in southern Richland County. He was strong supporter of Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, River Alliance of Wisconsin, Muscoda Chamber of Commerce and many other organizations, often as an anonymous donor.
Dave and Joan loved the opera and symphony and would attend live performances whenever possible. He cherished his trips to Door County to visit the cabin built by his father. He enjoyed going to Alaska to work on his brother’s fishing boat each year as well as trips to Seattle to visit his daughter and her family or the winter sojourns to Florida to visit Joan’s twin sister and her husband. Dave was a diehard Wisconsin sports fan as a longtime UW football season ticket holder and all-around Badger and Packer fan. He loved playing cribbage, talking about investments and watching the financial news, getting together with his colleagues to discuss politics and the good old days. Dave enjoyed watching the wildlife and beauty of the Wisconsin River from his window and providing updates to friends and neighbors. Most of all, he dearly loved his family and friends.
David O. Martin was preceded in death by his parents and siblings John, Robert and Mary Louise; and wife, Joan. He is survived by children Susan (Chris) Reedy, Tom (Kris) Martin and Ellen (Paul) Yanny; Joan’s children – Marri (Darris) Palmer and Ronda (Tom) Neuhauser; seven grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, extended family and a large group of friends.
The family wishes to recognize and thank the team of caregivers who allowed Dave to remain in his home for the past eighteen months. Their kindness, caring and skill meant so much to him and to the rest of the family.
A service to celebrate Dave’s life will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial donations in Dave’s honor be directed to the SW Technical College Foundation (https://www.stwc.edu/foundation/) or the Three Eagles Foundation (20273 Effigy Mounds Lane, Muscoda, WI 53573). The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements. Online condolences can be made at prattfuneralservice.com.
