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

Howard Martin

May 26, 1941 - September 29, 2025

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