Richard Ole Martinson
January 20, 1950 - February 03, 2018
Obituary
MOUNT HOREB/MONONA-Richard “Ole” Martinson, age 68, passed away at home on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018. He was born on Jan. 20, 1950, to Richard “Tiger” and Ruth Martinson. Ole grew up in Monona and eventually settled in Mt. Horeb with his wife, Judy. Ole’s true love was his family and he found his greatest joy in his grandchildren. He had a wicked sense of humor and a fabulous mustache. His passions were reading, camping, experimental aviation, music, and Sudoku. Ole is survived by his wife, Judy (Uselmann) Martinson; three children, Emily (Carlos) Martinson-Love of Mt. Horeb, Gretchen (Jeff) Bail of Denver, Colo., and Laurel (Mike) Polley of Yorkville, Ill.; four sisters, Cynthia Martinson of Washburn, Patricia (Steven Wagner) Martinson of Madison, Sylvia (Ronald) Hansen of St. Louis Park, Minn., and Jamie (Stephen) Gunning of Orlando, Fla.; four grandchildren, Kingston and Fiona Love, Eloise Bail, and Evelyn Polley; and countless other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Laura; his infant son, Andrew; and his beloved poodle Rudy. The world will never shine as bright without our Starman, but we think his spaceship knows which way to go. The stars look very different today. A memorial gathering will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the ACLU or Wisconsin Public Radio. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Dr.
(608) 221-5420
Events
Memorial Gathering
Wed Feb 7, 2018 @ 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Richard have been shared yet.
Memories
SL
Sacramenta Landrum
Other •
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Richard. Gone but not forgotten a wonderful promise in God's word the Bible for the loved ones we have lost in death to be fulfilled very soon by his son Jesus Christ right here on a brand new Paradise Earth it will give you hope and comfort during this difficult time John 5:28,29; Revelation 21: 1-5.
BA
Bridget Aldridge
Other •
So very sorry to hear of this. I worked with Ole - when I took a different position within the company, he took over some of my accounts and we spent time on the road for various meets/greets. Ole was a kind person and very respectful with a dry sense of humor that was quite entertaining. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care - Bridget Aldridge
MO
Marsha osborn
Other •
While I never had the pleasure to meet Gretchen's dad, i know he was a very special person and she made him alive for me. He chose a lot of the books for our book club! My heart beats for all of you.
Marsha Osborn
MB
Mike Brockmann
Other •
I have known Ole since we were 6 years old and have plenty of fond memories too numerous to share. Although we have not been in contact much over the past 40 years, I will never forget the sleepovers and fun times running or riding bikes up and down the street way back then. As we grew up he had a great sense of humor and very quick wit. Although we haven’t been in contact lately, I will miss him. But like everyone who knew him, he will not be forgotten. Best go Judy and family, as I know you have lost a good one. Love you!
Mike (Mickey) Brockmann & Christine
LG
Laura Gumm
Other •
I am so sorry to hear about Ole's passing. I worked with him at Alliant Energy and he was a great guy. He helped train me in a job years ago and was very thoughtful, funny, caring, respectful, insightful, and smart. Ole touched my life with his positive words of encouragement and his ability to share his experiences in his career. I have not seen him in a few years, but he is in my memory as a kind and humorous soul. He would walk in the room with a smile and had a talent for making people laugh and feel welcome. I will miss him. My deepest condolences to his wife, the daughters he spoke so highly of, and the rest of his cherished family. May he rest in peace. Laura Gumm
PW
Paul Wienke
Other •
So sorry for your loss, only was able to talk to Ole and the last few lunch meetings of our class, always loved his sense of humor.