LODI - Kenneth George Martin Sr, age 65, of Lodi, Wisconsin formerly Lombard, Illinois, passed away suddenly on October 22, 2022. He is survived by Jennifer (nee Gorr) Martin, his “beautiful bride” of nearly 38 years; his children, Kenneth Martin Jr and Katrina (David) Bailey, all three of whom he was so very proud of; and grandsons Dexter and Milo Bailey, the lights of his life that outshone all the stars in the sky. Finally, Scooter, his loving and faithful pup who completely captured his heart and half his dinner plate every single night.

Ken is also survived by many family members which will be a great support in the times to come, his mother-in-law, Georgene Gorr; in-laws, Monica (the late Ronald) Martin, Marta (Michael) Gemelli, Al (Jennifer) Gorr Jr., Bonnie (Steve) Flanagan, Heidi (Mike) Schmuldt; 15 nieces and nephews, and Bill Crenshaw, his life-long friend.

Preceded in death by his father and mother, George and Dorothy (nee Pacholski) Martin; sister, Debra (nee Martin) Womble; brothers, Ronald Martin and Francis Martin; father-in-law, Alexander F. Gorr Sr, and his precious grandson, Nicholas Drake Bailey.

Aside from his family, Ken had two great loves - people and animals. There is absolutely nothing he wouldn’t do for either and he’s proved it again and again.

Ken was a runner. An incredible runner. He was an Ultra-Marathoner which is crazy to understand - if most people want to travel 50 miles anywhere, you better believe there is a vehicle involved - but Ken loved the challenge of doing it by foot! He had a love of running and taking care of his body while pushing it just a little farther to see what it could do but even more special than that was the community of runners that became life-long friends’ step after step, mile after mile. Long runs were his favorite because he could spend time with a group or spend time one-on-one and really bond in a way that most people can’t even after decades of knowing someone. In his humble way (a common word you will hear many times over when you listen to others talking about Ken) he would never give himself credit for the role he has played in other people’s successes. He was an amazing coach because it was more about the people and his excitement to see them succeed than the hours of prep he would put in each week. He taught with his heart and gave 100% to each person - believing in them fully and helping them believe too, no matter how insurmountable that goal may have seemed.

Ken’s most recent and most important rewarding endeavor came after his official retirement in August when he accepted a full-time position at the School District of Lodi. Working at the Primary School as an aide for special needs students filled his heart. He truly loved this position and every day he brought home stories of the day’s activities and the love and acceptance shown to him by both the children in the school as well as his peers. Always humble, he questioned if he was truly able to help or make a difference for ‘his kids’; there is no doubt there will be pieces of “Mr. Ken” these children will carry with them into their adult years and beyond because of his kind and gentle interactions with them.

His love of animals only increased after the adoption of Scooter from the local shelter in 2011. He spent the next 7 years raising funds to aid all strays with the creation of “Scooter’s Squad”, a group of runners that helped raise funds through various activities and events, bringing in just over $15,000 for the DuPage Shelter. After his move to Wisconsin, he delighted in the vast variety of wildlife and birds and was a friend to all, feeding them daily and enjoying in his constant stream of visitors.

Funeral Services will be held at GUNDERSON LODI FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 157 S. Main St., Lodi, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 5, 2022. Burial will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON LODI FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, November 4, 2022, and also on Saturday from 9:30 am until the time of the service. The family requests to honor Ken by wearing your “running/gym” shoes.

If you would like to make a contribution on behalf of Ken’s memory, please donate to www.DuPageAnimalFriends.org

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com

Gunderson Lodi

Funeral & Cremation Care

157 S. Main St.

(608) 592-3201

Kenneth G Martin

February 15, 1957 - October 22, 2022

Share photos of Kenneth