Charles V. Martin Jr.

1941 - 2025

Charles V. Martin, Jr.
Born: July 9, 1941 in Chicago, IL
Died: November 3, 2025 in Wisconsin Rapids, WI
The world has lost a gentleman, a music man, and a loving person of integrity this week. Charles V. Martin "Chuck" passed away November 3, 2025, in Aspirus Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. He was born July 9, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, the first child of Charles and Blanche Martin. He was a faithful member of Our Lady, Queen of Heaven/St. Mary's Catholic church in Wisconsin Rapids.
Chuck graduated from DePaul University in Chicago with a bachelor's degree in music. He then spent his life sharing his love of music with others. During his college years he played in swing bands that played for dances throughout the Midwest. He was a music instructor, employed at Bishop McNamara High School in Kankakee, Illinois where he met and fell in love with his future wife of 57 years, Janet (Stremlau) Martin. Six years later he taught music and directed band at Plano Community Schools at both the grade and high school levels in Illinois. He retired in 1996 from music instruction.
After his retirement, Chuck taught skiing at Christmas Mountain near the Dells where after two years he became the Ski School Director for the following five years. For the other three seasons he enjoyed his Arkdale, Wisconsin lake home, fishing on Lake Petenwell from his pontoon boat and enjoying many beautiful sunsets on the deck with family and friends.
Having enjoyed 20 years on the lake, Chuck and Janet moved on to Wisconsin Rapids near the Ridges Golf Course. At that time Chuck got involved in community music joining the Wisconsin Rapids City Band. Other bands he was a part of included Swing Doctors and the early version of Four on the Floor.
Preceding Chuck in death are his parents, Charles V. Martin, Sr. and Blanche (Nayder) Martin, his sisters Karen (Martin) Mulcahy and Joyce (Martin) Varak, and his brother Fr. Thomas Martin, OSA.
Chuck was survived by his wife, Janet (Stremlau) Martin, twin sisters, Diane (Martin) Wayland, and Denice Martin, both of Rohnert Park, California, his brother William (Cindy) Martin of Indiana. In addition there are seven surviving nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00pm on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. A visitation will be held at church from 10:30am until the time of service.
May he rest in peace.