Obituary of Thomas E. Martin

Tom died peacefully in his sleep on July 4, 2021 after 3½ years of complex health issues at the age of 74. He was born a twin on June 29, 1947 in Waukesha, WI. He attended St. Mary’s grade school and Waukesha Memorial.

Tom became Sandy’s forever dance partner when they got married in 1971.  He enjoyed live-music and loved to dance.  They started marital bliss as they honeymooned in Hawaii.  In 2013 they finally were able to return to Hawaii to share those memories with extended family.

Beloved husband of Sandra Martin for 49 years. Loving Dad of Jacqueline Martin and Kristin (Jason) Kveton. Devoted Grandpa to Savannah, Gabriella, and Jefferson Kveton. Dear brother of Judy Back, twin brother of Timothy (Patricia) Martin and Jeanne O’Brien. Dear half-brother of Patrick (Twila) Martin, Jonathan Martin, and Andrew (Melody) Martin. He is also survived by his sister in law, Suzanne (the late James) Henkel. Tom is further survived by many treasured nieces, nephews, God children, extended family, and friends. Tom was preceded in death by parents Catherine Martin, Edward Martin, and stepmother Helen Martin.

He began working at the age of 16 at his family business and a few years later received an Associate degree in business.  He eventually co-owned, with his twin brother, the family business, R.L. McCarthy Pump and Supply, Inc. until his retirement. After that, he drove school bus and thoroughly enjoyed the student riders. He also volunteered at Waukesha Catholic assisting several grades in activities.                                                          

Tom had great love for family, sports, and decorating inside and outside for seasonal holidays during the year.  In his youth he played Land of Lakes baseball, football, hockey, basketball, and wrestling. Those passions continued into his adult life as he participated in leagues for slow-pitch softball and bowling.  He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, vacationing in Manitowish Waters, and golfing. He was also an avid roller coaster and amusement park enthusiast. He passed that on to his children and grandchildren.

In addition to playing sports, he enjoyed watching them. He became more than just a spectator as he coached his daughter, Kristin, for Catholic Memorial Girls JV and Varsity Softball.  He continued to coach with Kurt Winkelman for more than 20 years.  In addition, he acted as assistant coach with his daughter, Kristin, when she coached 5^th and 6^th grade girls’ basketball while teaching at University Lake School.

Tom decorated our family room and outside for many holidays during the year: Christmas, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.

Tom joined the Knights of Columbus (Council 1825) at his dad’s request so he could bowl in that League. He became active in this fraternal organization as a 3^rd and 4^th degree member and also participated in the Degree Team in welcoming new fourth degree members.  He served as Grand Knight for six different years and District Deputy for several years.  He was also honored several times as Knight of the Year and Family of the Year.

Tom was a member of St. William Church since 1973 and acted as Lector and Eucharistic minister for 30 plus years.

Tom remained close to several childhood and longtime friends.  They started a bi-weekly tradition of gathering for breakfast.  That close knit group of friends got together many times a year with wives included and soon the wives had formed their own group, too.

 The family wishes to thank Waukesha Memorial Hospital.  We especially thank the medical specialists and their staff which gave us the gift of an additional 3 ½ years of memories.  Especially Dr. Raza (Hematology), Dr. Carey (Nephrology), Dr. Burns (Cardiology), Dr. Griglione (GI).  We would also like to thank Dr. Tanel (GP), and Lucas Ebert (PA) for the many years they provided care for Tom.

Visitation for Tom will be held on Friday, July 9, from 6:30 p.m. until the vigil service at 8:30 p.m. at Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, 237 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, WI 53188. A second visitation will take place on Saturday, July 10, from 8:15 a.m. until 8:45 a.m. at St. William Catholic Church, 440 N Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, WI 53188. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 9 a.m. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, consider donations to Catholic Memorial (High School) or Waukesha Catholic (Elementary) or to the Martin Family toward medical expenses.