Photo courtesy of Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood
Shorewood, Wisconsin
Jun 1, 1945 – Sep 20, 2020 (Age 75)
Passed away on September 20, 2020 in his home surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years Pam Percy, his children Daniel (Kassie) Hintz, Steve (Rashauna) Hintz, Katie (Garrick Topp) Hintz; step-children Matthew (Jennifer) Segel, Katie (Matt Liban) Segel, Ross (Abby) Segel; and 19 grandchildren. Known for wit, humor, love of history and endearing personality Marty touched the lives of countless people. Marty had a life-time of achievements, adventures and interests.
Born in New Hampton Iowa, he has a BA - journalism from the University of St Thomas in St Paul and a Masters Degree in Journalism from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. He moved to Milwaukee in 1967 to work for the Milwaukee Sentinel as an editor and reporter. Since 1975, he has been a freelance writer, authoring more than 125 books, and hundreds of newspapers, consumer and trade periodicals. His books include cultural geographies, company histories, personal profiles, travel, business, ethic and culture/entertainment.
He and his wife Pam wrote together including Food Lovers Guide to Wisconsin, Wisconsin Cheese, a cookbook and guide to the Cheeses of Wisconsin. For almost 14 years they wrote the “Boris and Doris on the Town” column for the Shepherd Express. Marty is also the founder and publisher of The Irish American Post, which was launched as a newspaper in 1991 and went online in 2001 and covered local, national and international news, politics and culture of the diverse Irish diaspora. He was also one of the co-founders of Milwaukee’s Irish Fest.
Professional awards and honors included those from the International Hotel and the Society of Professional Journalism. He was the president of the Society of American Travel Writers from 2001-2. He was also a board member of the Milwaukee Press Club Foundation, the Milwaukee County Federated Library System for the North Shore Library and the Wisconsin Farm Bureau.
He and his wife started Pampered Produce in 2009, farming their property in River Hills. There they hosted farm to table dinners, raised chickens and other animals and farmed 3 acres of organic produce. Marty’s love of the circus also inspired him to create elaborate dioramas of circus scenes, which he had been doing as a young man growing up in New Hampton.
Marty was in the process of producing a film “Finding Loren” based on the story of his father 1st Lt. Loren Hintz, a fighter pilot who was killed in action in WWII just prior to Marty’s birth. The film recounts the story of the family’s successful search for his plane in Italy in 2017.
In lieu of flowers please send a donation to Milwaukee Film, 1037 West McKinley Ave #200, Milwaukee, WI 53205, earmarked for “Finding Loren” to complete Marty’s dream.
A celebration of Marty’s life will be announced.
Read MoreWhat a beautiful life, so beautifully lived. May Marty Rest In Peace, and in the hearts of all he touched here on earth.
Mary Broad
October 06, 2020 | Cedarburg, WI | Acquaintance
Let’s celebrate this highly intelligent, proud, Irish man, father and husband who will be missed here on Earth,; but he finally gets to meet his brave and courageous father in Heaven. God bless Martian and all the memories that float to the surface: his St. Patrick’s Day parties, walking around Irish fest with a Camera in his hands, and always with a smile on his face. Sending hugs from LA to his family and friends around the world.
Becky Cissne
Rebecca Becky Cissne
October 05, 2020 | LA, CA | Family
To Pam, Dan, Steve, Katie & Family, Tom and I offer our sincere condolences on Marty's passing. He was truly one-of-a-kind! We treasured our times in the early years of Irish Fest, and will always remember so many good times. Marty was a talented, kind man with a subtle sense of humor. It was an honor knowing him. We pray for him and for all the family.
Tom & Colleen
Colleen Kennedy
October 02, 2020 | Elm Grove, WI | Friend
Dear Pam: Our deepest condolences. We were so sorry to hear the news of your husband's passing. For years, you two shared not only the happiness of a marriage in private, but a very public space found in the output of so many columns, books, projects together about town. Not many can attest to such a legacy and you should be so proud of all you two gave to the rest of us. Thank you and all condolences, Ben and Michele Merens
Ben and Michele Merens
October 01, 2020 | Milwaukee, WI | Coworker
Pam, we are so very sorry. Marty was a wonderful man who will be missed. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Kevin and Jean Krueger
September 27, 2020 | Thiensville, WI | Friend
Pam, I am so sorry to hear of Marty's passing. I have thought of you both so often, especially on our shared anniversary. You and Marty were a team, bringing such love and passion into your work together. He will be missed.
Katie Mason
Katie Mason
September 27, 2020 | Eugene, OR | Friend
There is a word, a concept really, used by the Brazilians and Portuguese, Saudade. There is no direct translation, but it means to miss someone or long for someone. The feeling is indispensable. You cannot have these feelings without a deep attachment to someone. My hope is that you will get to that point where, yes you are sad, but there's a certain feeling of happiness in that sadness, because you realize you could not be at this stage without your commitment to each other. Your life is so...
Kim Grehn
September 23, 2020 | West Hartford,CT, CT | Friend
A sweet sweet soul. Wonderful sense of humor. Will be sorely missed.
Michele Murphy
September 23, 2020 | River Hills, WI | Friend
Mary was a mountain range of ideas and a constant, inspiring spirit. He had such a wonderful way, his laugh, humor & wit. I'm just learning how incredible he was and already held him in the highest regard. Hugs to you Pam & Katie. Rest in peace, my Irish brother.
Ryan Thompson
September 23, 2020 | Milwaukee, WI | Acquaintance
