Ronald J. Martin

August 13, 1947 - May 19, 2025

Ronald J. Martin, age 77, of Eastman, passed away in his home on May 19, 2025, following a year-long battle with cancer.

Ron was born Aug. 13, 1947, the son of Arthur and Ruth (Feye) Martin. He graduated from Prairie du Chien High School in 1965, working numerous farming jobs before serving in the Army from 1969 to 1971, including one year in active combat in Vietnam, ending in Fort Knox as a Sgt E-5. Upon his return to Eastman, he graduated in 1972 from Southwest Technical College where he studied welding. He then later retired in 2002 after a 30-year career as a production welder for John Deere Works in Dubuque, Iowa.

Ron was united in marriage to Ann Guernsey on July 24, 1976 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Boscobel. Together, they raised three children and enjoyed their weekly Euchre group, four-wheeler rides to the family cabin and cheering on their grandchildren at all the local sporting events. Ron didn’t live for his happiness, but to worry and pray for that of others. He rarely missed a morning coffee or an afternoon soda shared with friends from town, and was always ready to lend his hard work and generosity when needed. He was most often found tinkering in his shop on anything from small engines to building toys for family and friends—anything he did, you could trust that it was done right.  

Ron was wealthy beyond belief in family and love. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 49 years, Ann; his children, Randy (Correne) Martin of Wauzeka, Rebecca (Rick) Jarek of Kronenwetter and Daniel (Colleen) Martin of Eastman; seven grandchildren, Trace, Lila, Kelsey, Aubrey, Gwen, Carsyn and Emilia; his siblings, Robert Martin, David (Renee) Martin, Gerald Martin, Kathy (Larry) Zeeh, Donna Martin, Ruth Ann (Ron) Colson, Kenneth (Barb) Martin, Darryl (Sharon) Martin, Barbara (Mike) Breuer, Joan (Lee) Pulda and Donald Martin; and many beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law John and Ruth (Turner) Guernsey, brother Roger Martin, brothers-in-law Michael Latham, Ray Olsen and Randy White and niece Kristina Colson.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held May 23, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Eastman, with Fr. Thomas Huff officiating, with burial in the church cemetery. To honor Ron’s generous spirit, the family prefers memorials in lieu of flowers, so that donations may be made to local organizations in his memory. www.garrityfuneralhome.com