Howard Martin

Howard Martin

May 26, 1941 - September 29, 2025

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Obituary

OREGON - Howard Martin passed away on September 29, 2025, in Fitchburg, Wis., after a long and courageous battle with kidney disease.


Howard was born on May 26, 1941, in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England, to Clifford and Ellen (Swan) Martin. Raised during the hardships of World War II, he met life's early challenges with vigor, resilience, and determination-a spirit that defined him and carried through to his final days.


Driven by a desire for growth and learning, Howard left his humble beginnings of a small row house in Doncaster, England in 1961 to attend the University of Durham. His desire to travel and love of academics earned him a university exchange scholarship to the United States. Since the scholarship did not cover all travel expenses, he took a job as a canoe instructor at Camp Kokosing in Vermont, where he met his wife, Cathie.


Howard pursued Cathie while studying at DePauw University, and they were married in September 1964. Soon after, the couple returned to England so Howard could complete his degree at Durham. They later settled in Madison, Wis., where Howard earned his Ph.D. in German at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.


Howard dedicated 42 years to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, serving as a student, professor, and eventually as Dean of University Outreach and Continuing Studies. His passion for old languages, education, and travel shaped his career and enriched his personal life.


He became a member of Torske Klubben and enjoyed many years of lunches and conversations about Scandinavia. He and Cathie traveled extensively, often using their home in England as a launching point for trips all over Europe and to South Africa. Despite his illness, he made the journey back to the UK and enjoyed a final pint at his favorite pub.


While pursuing and achieving academic success, Howard made a lasting mark on his community through his connection to England and love of football (soccer in the US). Howard hoped to share his love of soccer by giving his children and the community the same chance to enjoy the game that he had enjoyed as a child. In 1977, he and Cathie placed an ad in the “Oregon Observer” inviting children to play pick-up soccer-an invitation that drew 40 kids and led to the founding of the Oregon Soccer Club, which now serves over 900 players. Howard was also a long-serving board member of the Madison Area Youth Soccer Association.


Howard Martin was a man of intellect - an educator, traveler, mentor, and builder of communities. He defied the odds throughout his life and did so with grace and strength until the very end. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cathie; and his sister, Janet Martin. Howard is survived by his children, Ellen (Marty) Smith, Ian (Holli) Martin and Nicholas (Gail) Martin; his grandchildren, Alexander, Ian, Catherine, Aidian, Alley, Taylor and London; and his siblings Jackie (Ian) Staniforth and Keith (BJ) Martin.


Special thanks to Mike Brown for his caregiving in these last years. Thanks also go to Fresenius Dialysis Staff Agrace Hospice, and to Dr. Thomas Schiffler for their care and support. In Howard’s last years, his quality of life was greatly improved by the kindness and care provided by so many friends, family, medical providers and volunteers.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to University of Wisconsin Foundation. For online donations visit https://secure.supportuw.org/give/ and type in your own designation. If you wish to send in payment via mail, put the name of the Fund in the memo of the check and mail check and Gift by Mail form to: UW Foundation, U.S. Bank Lockbox, Box 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278-8807. Questions? Contact uwf@supportuw.org.


A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St., Oregon, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025, with a time of sharing at 3 p.m. All are welcome to join the family immediately following the celebration of life for a toast and reception at Headquarters, 101 Concord Drive in Oregon.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

                                                                                                                      (608) 835-3515



Events

20
Celebration of Life
Thu Nov 20, 2025 @ 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care • 1150 Park St., Oregon, WI 53575
Get Directions
20
Memorial Service
Thu Nov 20, 2025 @ 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM CDT
Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care • 1150 Park St., Oregon, WI 53575
Get Directions

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Howard
AM
A Memorial Tree was planted for Howard Martin
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Oregon
MC
Mike Charkes
Other •
A dear relative to us all in Yorkshire, England. Ey up Boss. Rest in peace.
PF
Pat Fessenden
Other •
Thanks to Dean Howard Martin for his special work with Adult Students and opportunities. Special wishes! Pat Fessenden & so many adult students
KM
Keith J. Martin
Other •
Big H. I will miss our weekly talks and feel at a loss for all the times we were unable to visit. RIP, will always love you. Your brother Keith
JS
Jackie Staniforth
Other •
Tribute to my brother, Howard Martin (26-05-1942 to 29-09-2025) Howard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. In recent years, his general health had become significantly compromised and after the unexpected illness and sad loss of his wife Cathie early in August of this year he no longer wished for his life to continue. A few days before he died, he expressed getting old sucked and one sensed he was ready to call it a day. He was born in Balby, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK, the son of Clifford and Ellen Martin and the older brother to Keith, Jackie, and Janet. Our family upbringing was set in a war and post-war working-class environment and the family lived simply and frugally, as did many families in UK during those years when rationing of food, cloth, and fuel was enforced. Rationing continued until Howard’s 13th year, and he often commented on the joy he experienced on the first taste of bananas when they became available for sale on the market stall. Our parents encouraged us to be conscientious about our schooling and learning and Howard enjoyed his school life and as an assistant teacher before beginning Durham university (Bede College). He was a popular schoolboy and was considered a talented student. He enjoyed learning and chose German as a language to study for O levels, which surprised everyone as it was not considered a popular choice immediately after the war. His love of languages grew from that moment resulting in his Ph.D. qualification from Madison University, Wisconsin involving the translation of antique Icelandic Documents. Howard loved to travel in UK and abroad and this was encouraged by his father who never learnt to drive but travelled the length and breadth of UK using railways and public transport. Fortunately, Howard and Cathie had the opportunities to travel extensively and had many memorable experiences. Howard was very revered and loved by his UK family and relatives, especially his devoted mom. Her first-born child held a special place in her heart, and she struggled the most accepting his move to the USA and his American wife. Cathie and Howard were exceedingly kind to mom and in her later life the highlights of her years were the visits from Cathie with a few of her girlfriends. When they bought their home in Tickhill our Auntie Dorie and Uncle George were delighted as they were also residents in the village and could see more of Howard and Cathie as well as their children. Howard and Uncle George enjoyed meeting up in the Royal Oak for a couple of pints and talking together putting the world to rights. Auntie Dorie thought Howard was a very handsome young man always well turned out in his collar and tie and smart jacket and slacks. She did not realise this was courtesy of his oldest sister who devotedly would press his slacks and iron a clean shirt before he went out to meet his mates. Auntie Dorie did not like the more casual dress code emerging in recent years and often reminisced about the smart handsome young man Howard was. All the family highly respected Howard’s achievements and his cheeky sense of humour, his kindness, compassion, and his humility. I personally will miss our regular chats on Facetime when we got to talk about world affairs, catch up on family news and our grandchildren. He was a good friend to us and throughout my life was always supportive, able to give sound advice, and share his insights and wisdom. As a dedicated educator, lecturer, and mentor Howard inspired countless students and colleagues with his wisdom, clever insights, and passion for learning. His contributions to the academic community were invaluable and his legacy will live on through those he touched. He leaves behind cherished memories and a profound impact on all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this sad time. “Death keeps no calendar. Rest well our lad from Balby” (English saying) Jackie & Ian Staniforth
GW
Greg Wagner
Other •
Howard was truly the “Father” of Oregon Soccer! He also was instrumental in creating the annual Oregon Soccer Tournament in 1990 that annually brings hundreds of teams and their supporters to Oregon…and many thousands of dollars to the community, non-profits, and funding for safe senior class graduation parties. Howard also, along with Dick Rust, served as the initial Director of the Tournament and then for several more years. Being a tournament director dealing with sometimes irate coaches and parents is challenging, but Howard was always up to the task, often defusing things with a bit of humor. He created a youth soccer program and soccer legacy in Oregon that is vibrant and continuing! Greg Wagner

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