Martha L Romstad
January 29, 1934 - January 29, 2017
Obituary
MADISON-Martha Lee Romstad, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017, at Oakwood Village, Prairie Ridge in Madison. She was born on Jan. 29, 1934, in LaCrosse, the daughter of Doris and Robert Stone. She married Charles A. Romstad on Aug. 20, 1960, in Madison. Martha graduated from Madison East High School and attended Lawrence College in Appleton, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison with a major in Music Education and a minor in English. She played violin and viola in numerous orchestras, including the Madison String Sinfonia under Marie Endres. Martha taught in Mineral Point, Fond du Lac, Silver Bay, Minn., Bison, S.D., Watertown, S.D., Fort Atkinson, and Sun Prairie. She was a member of the music sorority Sigma Alpha Iota and of AAUW. She also studied Spanish and taught English as a Second Language at the Catholic Multicultural Center in Madison. Martha is survived by her husband, Charles; son, Thomas (Janice Taylor-Romstad) Romstad of San Diego, Calif.; daughter, Lynne (Dr. James W.) Thompson of Rochester, Minn.; granddaughters, Anna Romstad, Amelia "Mia" and Ella Thompson; sister, Helen Stone of Madison; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. A memorial service will be held at OAKWOOD EAST TREE OF LIFE CHAPEL, 5565 Tancho Dr., Madison, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, with Pastor Kenneth Smith presiding. Visitation will be held at the Tree of Life Chapel from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. The family is most grateful to the staff of Oakwood Village and Agrace HospiceCare who assisted in her care during her illness. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Sat Feb 4, 2017 @ 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
Oakwood Village East Tree of Life Chapel • 5565 Tancho Drive, Madison, WI null
Service
Sat Feb 4, 2017 @ 2:00 PM CDT
Oakwood Village East Tree of Life Chapel • 5565 Tancho Drive, Madison, WI null
Photos
No photos of Martha have been shared yet.
Memories
GS
georgianna stebnitz
Other •
We appreciate the chance to share memories of Martha, here, since we are out of town until March.
Martha was a talented, kind, caring and appreciative person. We were impressed by her lovely viola performances and were sad when an injury prevented her from playing in church.
She seemed to be resigned to any of life's battles.and maintained a brave front through them all.
Never a complainer, she accepted her ALS diagnosis with admirable dignity and strength.. "Everybody will have to deal with something...." she said; refusing to feel sorry for herself.
We admire Martha, her husband, Chuck, and her loving and dedicated sister, Helen, for their love. and care. We will remember the pride she took in the accomplishments of her children and granddaughters who have Martha's values to inspire them. Gary and Georgie Stebnitz
SP
Sarah Petri
Other •
Dear Mr. Romstad, Tom and Lynne,
I wanted to tell you how important you mother was in my life and what fond memories I have of her and your family. As you may remember, I had violin lessons with her for many years - from grade school through high school. She was never daunted in her pursuit of teaching and was incredibly resourceful. I remember lessons in the Purdy School art supply closet! She taught me so much about music and artistry, and I felt so proud when she asked me to give lessons to you, Lynne! I can remember her voice clearly, and her movement and smile. She really cared about her students and we learned so much from her. I know my folks enjoyed your friendship, Mr. Romstad, and appreciated all that you did for our family. My violin now hangs on the wall near my bed as a very personal and special token from my younger years. Tonight when I go to bed, I will look at it and think about Mrs. Romstad, my first violin teacher, with love and warmth. All the very best to you, Sarah Petri (Offerdahl)
RC
Royal Oaks Sunshine Committee
Other •
Royal Oaks Elementary School is very sad to hear of Martha's passing. We have many wonderful memories of her and her awesome music she shared while being the orchestra teacher at our school. Her family & friends are in our thoughts & prayers! With deepest sympathy!
Royal Oaks Elementary School Sunshine committee
TB
Ted Buenzli
Other •
I taught with Martha for many years in Sun Prairie and played in many local orchestras with her as well.
I always respected her musicianship and her quiet way of getting the most out of her students.
She was a wonderful colleague and friend. We will miss you Martha.
P(
Peter Anton (Jacobson)
Other •
I woke up this morning trying to think of Tom and Lynne's (Hi, Cousins!) names, so I Googled: Charles Martha Romstad and found this. Sorry to see such a lovely Soul gone from this world. Charles, you and Martha did good and I always enjoyed our visits over the years. I've drifted from the relative scene gradually over the decades, but the heart drew me to this today although several months late. All the best to the remaining family.