John George Martin

MADISON-John George Martin, age 79, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at home. He was born on July 22, 1932, in Dodgeville,, the son of George and Emma (Laneville) Martin. John was a 1950 graduate of Madison East High School and received his degree in Airplane and Engine Mechanics from West Coast University, Oakland California, in 1952. He married his sweetheart, Elizabeth “Betty” Hellenbrand on May 12, 1956, at St. Peters Catholic Church in Ashton. John served in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant during his 37 year military career as a tactical aircraft maintenance technician. At Truax Field, he was a flight line crew chief and worked on F-102 Delta Daggers and A-10 Warthogs. He was the union president for the Wisconsin State Council for Air Technicians and the National Federation of Federal Air Technicians for six years. He was a member of the United States Air Force Sergeants Association. He also worked for his son at Martin Glass. His window expertise along with his wit and wisdom, were missed by the employees and customers when he retired in 2010. Travel and history were his passions. He also enjoyed regular ice cream runs. John is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth; children, Curtis (Patricia) Martin, Terri (James) Gregson, and Dennis (Ronda) Martin; grandchildren, Sydney Martin, Samantha Gregson, Alexandra Gregson, Maxwell Martin, Pharis Martin, Sadie (Matt) Herman, Luke (Catherine) Baade, and Paige Badde; brother George (JoAnn) Martin; sisters-in-law, Alice (Dean) Nonn and Pat Fisher; brothers-in-law, Kenneth (Jackie) Hellenbrand, Marvin (friend Lynn) Hellenbrand, and Duane (friend, Pam) Hellenbrand; and many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Emma Martin, his nephew, Greg Martin and his brother-in-law, Orville Fisher. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST.DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 20, 2012, with Father Kent Schmitt presiding. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens with military rites conducted. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with rosary service at 7 p.m., on Monday, March 19, 2012, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on Tuesday, March 20, 2012. A special thanks to Dr. Luke Dolan and Agrace HospiceCare, especially Kristin and Melissa, for all their wonderful care. May the Angels lead you into Paradise. Cemetery: Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens with military rites conducted. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with rosary service at 7 p.m., on Monday, March 19, 2012, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on Tuesday, March 20, 2012. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST.DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 20, 2012, with Father Kent Schmitt presiding.