Thomas C Martens

Born to Eternal Life Thursday, January 27, 2011 at 87 years of age. Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Dorothy. Loving and devoted father of Thomas Jr (Brenda), Carol (Gary) Schmidt, Kim (Alan) Bogadi, Elizabeth Martens and Dawn (Kerry) McKinley. Loving grandfather of Crystal, Adrian, Brandon and Cainan Martens: Eric (Melissa), Travis (Sarah Ryan) and Jason Schmidt; Jennifer, Thomas, Christopher Bogadi and Stephanie (Ronald) Henoch; Heather, Charles Jr and Heidi Thomas; Megan and Katherine McKinley. Great-grandfather of Brooklyn, Damian, Makayla, Sadie, Wynona, Kiani and Brody. Thomas is further survived by his brother: William Martens and his sisters: Doris Ross and Joan Mackey; brothers-in-law: Jack Martin, Albert (Jean) Trakowski and sister-in-law: Shirley Martens, nephews, nieces, extended family and dear friends. Preceded in death by his brothers: Vernon and Roy Martens.

Born in the Town of Lake, Tom served in WWII aboard the USS Reno as a 1st Class Electricians Mate in the Pacific Theater. He married Dorothy and raised his family in Oak Creek.

Tom had the privilege of helping the Town of Oak Creek become the City of Oak Creek, an honor he held close to his heart. He chaired the School Building and Sites committee in the Town of Oak Creek and after Oak Creek's charter as a city in 1955, was appointed the first President of the City of Oak Creek's Common Council. Tom was honored to serve his community in many different roles: as an alderman, common council president and member of the Fire and Police Commission. His commitment and love for Oak Creek and its citizens was unwavering.

He was relocated to Maryland by Western Publishing as Plant Engineer in the 1980's and retired to St James City, FL. There, he once again became a civic leader for his community, serving in many roles on the Pine Island Cove Association board from member to president.

During his lifetime, Tom enjoyed golf, music, singing, camping, gardening, traveling with his family, instituting the annual family reunions and making people laugh. His commitment to his family, immediate and extended, was always evident.

No matter where he lived, his love for his Lord took precedence. Grace Lutheran Church in Oak Creek, Immanuel Lutheran in Maryland and Trinity Lutheran in Florida, found him serving as an Elder, President of the church council, choir member, active leader and faithful servant.

He is deeply loved and greatly missed, but his strong faith and commitment to God gives his family comfort and hope.

Visitation Saturday, February 26, 9:30-11:00AM at ST JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH (4850 S. Lake Dr, Cudahy) with Memorial Service 11:00AM. Interment Forest Hill Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Tom's honor to St John Lutheran Church or the Disabled American Veterans appreciated.