Martin Robert Wacker

Our Beloved "Grandpa Marty", Martin Robert Wacker, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love on Sept. 9, at the House of Dove in Marshfield, WI. He fought a courageous battle with Central Nervous System Lymphoma during the last 4 months of his life.

Marty was the son of Robert Charles Wacker and Geraldine (Obertin). He was born June 11, 1948 and grew up in Milwaukee, with four siblings and a gaggle of Wacker cousins all on the same block. Marty's love for the outdoors grew out of summer vacations on Chute Pond, the family cabin.

Natural Resources was his career choice, graduating from UWSP. After college the Army had his number and he spent 3 years at various bases as a Vietnamese Linguist. After his stint in the army Marty headed back to Point. Ultimately becoming a "Lifer" in the area.

Marty was Assistant Superintendent of Portage County Parks for over 30 years. The trail systems, campsites, park facilities and all portage country park systems had Marty's stamp on them. When not working Marty's passion in the summer was fishing in the northern lakes. He loved musky fishing and each summer spent a week in Canada during the walleye run. A quick run over to fish at Legend Lake for bass was a good day on the water. Winter months Marty could be found on the cross-country trails at Standing Rocks. He skied the Birkebeiner in Hayward for many years. Skiing both the Birkie and the Kortelopet.

Marty had one son Ben while married to Linda Schmidt. They later divorced. In 1997 he married Val Stanenas-Wacker. They blended Marty's son Ben (Smita) and Val's sons Adam (Krysta) and Eric (Sara) to become the family of "My 3 sons". He was blessed to have 7 grandchildren: Shreya and Reva Wacker, step-grandchildren: Lincoln and Vayda Stanenas, Adelyte, Finley and Wesley Stanenas. All the light and joy of his life.

Marty is also survived by 4 siblings: Dennis (Lynn), Jim, Kathy (Bob Randall), Patty (Dick), brother-in law Fred Berg (Joy), sister-in-law Julie Holmquist (Rick), and father-in law LaVell Berg. A host of nieces and nephew will also miss Marty's humor, love and kindness.

A Celebration of Marty's life will be held Sept. 15 at Jordan Park Lodge from 2-5. There will be a short service beginning at 3:30 and honor guard ceremony for his years of service.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Dotti at Aspirus for his swift diagnosis. Also, gratitude and gratefulness to the Mayo Clinic/Hospital which became Marty's home for 2 1/2 months, their care was stellar. Finally, much thankfulness goes out to the staff at The House of Dove in Marshfield for their care, concern, love and compassion during his brief stay.

We miss you Grandpa Marty!