Kevin K Martin
May 23, 1951 - April 06, 2024
Obituary
CROSS PLAINS - Kevin K. Martin, 72, passed on Saturday, April 6, 2024, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. Kevin was born in Sparta, Wis., on May 23, 1951. He grew up in Cassville, Wis., where he found time each day to spend fishing on the Mississippi River. Though he moved to Madison after graduating high school to attend MATC, the river was always in his veins. He cherished time camping on the sandbars of the Mississippi with his wife and children. The joy of time on the river continued through life and a dream was fulfilled when he took his grandchildren fishing on the river in his boat, the “Black Pearl.”
His friends, family, and the larger community will remember him for his boundless generosity and acts of service. Raising a family in Cross Plains with his true love, best friend, and wife, Monica, he donated handcrafted benches, fixtures, and items to Park School, the Lions Club, and more. Anybody who knew him will find something from his workshop, made with his attention to detail and craftsmanship, marked with his modest signature of “KM.” He loved to entertain, learning to be a fantastic chef to feed friends and family, hosting in the home and in the backyard with the outdoor kitchen which he built to be so warm and welcoming.
Kevin was ready with practical advice like, “Don’t fight, kids,” and “Be kind,” and contributing unique catchphrases like “The world is my urinal.” He was always eager to help others, and be an impeccable combination of steadying calm and delightful levity. Everybody who knew Kevin has a story about him; with as many stories about how Kevin built something amazing for them as there are stories about other ways he brought laughter into their lives. Kevin’s grandchildren love to hear about and tell their own tales of “grandpa lore.”
Kevin is survived by his wife of 52 years, Monica; son, Wyatt (Diane); daughter Vanessa (John) Danner; and “the four best grandchildren a grandfather could have,” Emma, Thane, Charlotte and Lily. He is also survived by his sister, Kari (Steve) Schaal; and brothers-in-law, Marvin Lamberty and Michael Lamberty. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Elaine Martin; and brother, Thane Martin.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Cross Plains
Funeral & Cremation Care
2421 Church St.
(608) 798-3141