Martin Calvin Chiger

On February 5, 2025, Martin C. Chiger of Grafton, WI, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Aida; children, Andrea (Martin Rais) Chiger, Julia Chiger, Anna (Paul) Kanakkanatt, and Justin (Renee) Koneck; and grandchildren, Sam, Max, Tyler, Ella, Heino, and Gianna. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Julia (McWalter) Chiger, and his siblings, John and Robert.

Martin earned a Master’s degree in Microbiology from C.W. Post College in New York. He began his career in yeast technology at Standard Brands in New York. He then joined Universal Foods (Red Star Yeast) in Milwaukee, where he had the opportunity to work at yeast plants across the world. Martin continued his profession at Gist Brocades (DSM) in Delft, Netherlands, before he transitioned to yeast consultancy with Lallemand in Montreal, Canada. His expertise and knowledge were widely recognized throughout the global yeast industry.

Martin had an easygoing and friendly personality, along with a great sense of humor. His respect and appreciation for different cultures and peoples around the world earned him the friendship and admiration of many. He enjoyed leisure family travel, learning and expanding his knowledge, and continuing to work past 80 because he was a type “A” personality through and through. He loved being a proud and supportive father and grandfather, and will be dearly missed.

Donations can be made in his memory to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or the American Lung Association. 

Private celebration of life was held.