Joseph Charles Martin, 86, of Appleton, passed away peacefully at Theda Clark Hospital in Neenah, Wisconsin on Thursday, December 22, 2022, after a brief illness. May perpetual light shine upon him.

Joe was born on January 7, 1936, to parents John Francis and Mary (née LaHart) Martin in an Irish neighborhood on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. As a child, he took great joy in riding the trains, exploring the city, and earning money to fund his adventures. He attended high school at the De La Salle Institute in Chicago, Illinois. Joe served in the United States Army from 1957-1962 and was on active duty from 1957-1959. He was stationed at a United States Army Signal Corps military base in Karlsruhe, Germany in 1958-59. While there, he owned a 1955 Chevrolet and took many road trips with the other GIs. In 1962, while living in Appleton, as a young married man with a wife and a baby, he was called to serve at a Signal Corps base in Hinesville, Georgia.

Joe had been a resident of Appleton since 1960 when he began working for his brother John Martin's company, Accurate Business Controls. In 1963-64, he graduated from the Dale Carnegie Program and remained a lifelong student of the methods taught in the training. In the 1980s he began his own business, Custom Business Systems, from which he retired in 1997. He and his brother made two trips to Ireland to see their ancestral home and relations there.

In retirement, Joe and his wife, Grace, enjoyed their family, friends and many road trips around the country. Both widowed, Joe and Grace had married in 1978, and their marriage was a true union of best friends and equals. Together they raised their seven children, taking joy in their partnership along the way. Joe took an avid interest in all his children, nurturing them through all the stages of their lives, supporting them in their education, and taking great pride in their accomplishments. Together Joe and Grace also supported several local organizations, including the Hmong of The Fox River Valley, The St. Joseph Food Pantry and The Boys and Girls Clubs.

Joe was a regular visitor to the Appleton Public Library and was never without a stack of books on a wide variety of topics. His car's license plate read "UOK ME2". We wish to note a special family friend, Anne De Bont, of Greenville, Wisconsin who worked for the family since the 1970s. In recent years, Joe had helpers around the house – Jim Jensen, Ken Plach, and Luke Hoffman. Their assistance and attention to detail is much appreciated.

Joseph Martin is survived by his children: Michael (Catherine) Martin of Denver, Colorado; Kathleen (Phil) Petersen of Denmark, Wisconsin; Laura (Edward) Fisk of Madison, Wisconsin; Joann Martin of Madison, Wisconsin; Linda (Tom) Carlson of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; and his stepchildren: Christopher Carlson of Highland, Wisconsin; Betsy (née Carlson) Krizenesky of Neenah, Wisconsin, and his daughter-in-law Lucero Martinez of Denver, Colorado. Joe has seven grandchildren: Michelle Martin, Gabriela (née Martin) Metzler, Alexandra Martin, Chase Martin, Carolyn Petersen, Martin Petersen and Ann Carlson. Plus, many nieces and nephews. He is survived by his sister Helen (Robert) Winterfield of Orlando, Florida. Joseph Martin's wife of 37 years, Grace (née Clough) Carlson Martin preceded him in death in 2016. His first wife, Carole (née Wessel) Martin, preceded him in 1975. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Theresa Martin of Illinois, his brother Philip Martin of Chicago, Illinois, and his brother John Martin of Sister Bay, Wisconsin.

He enjoyed what he had, and gave away generously to so many, in small and large ways. Joe will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Memorial Service for Joseph will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at BRETTSCHNEIDER TRETTIN NICKEL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 606 N Oneida Street, Appleton.  Friends may visit from 8:30 a.m. until the time of service.

– "I will see you WHEN I see you and WHERE I see you."

A livestream of Joseph's service may be viewed by clicking or entering the following link 5 minutes prior to the service: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/4197960317