Alex Martin

MIDDLETON-Albert Alexander (Alex) Martin, age 54, of Middleton, Wis., passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. Alex was born November 16, 1964, in Milwaukee, Wis., to Andrew and Janet (Trostel) Martin. He married Maria Mercedes Rivera on December 19, 1992, in Milwaukee. They met when they both were teachers at Lincoln Middle School. She taught him to salsa, and he taught her all about trees. They were soul mates. They went on many adventures together but the biggest they undertook was to Medellin, Colombia, in 2010 to adopt four young children, all siblings. Giving those children a second chance was the largest and most generous act of his life. This openness to the world had its beginnings at Westtown School in Westchester, Penn., where he went to high school. Its Quaker background and silent worship deeply affected him. He loved everything about music. From Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony to Queen to Michael Bublé – his ear for different styles was vast and various. He had a particular fondness for musicals which began in the 8th grade when he played the part of Curly in Oklahoma! He majored in music at Tulane University, and sang with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Chorus in the 1990s. Later, he sang bass for Madison’s Capitol Chordsmen Barbershop Chorus for almost 20 years. He loved the outdoors, chopping wood, kayaking, canoeing, walking the dog, hiking. He was very concerned about the environment, living his beliefs in everything he did. He got his Master’s degree in environmental education from UW-Stevens Point and worked for the DNR for many years. His favorite place to be was on Crab Lake in Presque Isle, Wis. He loved to talk! Spoonerisms and puns – ‘whopping chood’ and ‘shaking a tower’ were common activities. He and his older brother, Sam, used to perform Abbott and Costello’s “Who’s On First” (Alex playing the role of Costello) when they were both counselors at Camp Deerhorn in the 1980s; and later he revived his role in special performances with the Capitol Chordsmen. He enjoyed watching documentaries and listening to podcasts, especially about politics and history. He also liked watching old black-and-white movies – Harold Lloyd was a big favorite. At the end of his life, he found joy in working with his hands and fixing things for others, on the clock and off. He is survived by his parents; his wife; his four children Milena, Cris, Yesica, and Sucena; three siblings Sam Martin, Ginny Martin and Laura Vuchetich; and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws – all of whom will miss his “groaner foul” jokes, old Bugs Bunny references and wonderful bear hugs. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Dr., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 8, 2019. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, 2019, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on Friday. In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree or make a donation to a favorite environmental organization that can plant a tree for you. Think of all the trees he could get planted! Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Avenue (608)831-6761