Richard Martin

1953 - 2025

Richard Martin

September 28, 1953 - December 14, 2025

Richard "Big Rich" Martin, age 72, of Lac Courte Oreilles, WI passed away on December 14, 2025.

He was born on September 28, 1953, to Virginia (Isham) Stone and Ronald Martin. Richard was lovingly raised by his mother and stepfather, Norman Stone, who played a significant role in shaping the man he became. Richard grew up in Hayward, WI, where he graduated from Hayward High School in 1971. During his senior year, he was honored as Homecoming King and earned All-Conference recognition as both an offensive and defensive lineman. He also played baseball, forming a lifelong love for sports that would follow him throughout his life. In 1972, while in Needles, CA, Richard met the love of his life, Betty Jean Shipman. Though they were never legally married, their bond was unwavering. In 1975, Betty proudly took the last name Martin, and together they built a life rooted in love, family, and shared adventures. After high school, Richard spent two years in California driving dump trucks before returning to Hayward to work alongside Norman in logging for approximately ten years. In his early 30s, he began a long career with Fritz Poppe Inc., specializing in residential structure relocation-a trade he dedicated himself to for 30 years. In retirement, he continued working as a public transportation operator for Namekagon Transit, where he enjoyed staying active and connected to the community. Richard loved football, hunting, Thursday night pool shooting, trips to the casino, and-most of all-watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports. He treasured time spent going up north to family land, traveling with family, and, as many fondly recall, "rage-baiting" Grandma simply for the fun of it. Known affectionately as "Big Rich," he was caring, always present, and deeply devoted to his family. His steady presence, humor, and unwavering love will be missed beyond measure.

Richard was devoted to Betty, a devoted father to his children Richard Ronald Martin (Lisa L. Martin) and Sara Anne Henley (Nick Henley). He was a proud grandfather to Madison Henley, Tristan Henley, Ian Henley, Julie Loder (Keene Loder), Ashley Land (Joseph Land), Reone Larson (Blake Larson), and Gunnar Martin. His legacy continued through his great-grandchildren: Zandra Land, Aurora Land, William Land, Remington Loder, Helen Loder, David Loder, Declan Loder, Brynlee Larson, Audrey Larson, Oakly Martin, and arriving soon Baby Barrett Larson.-each of whom brought him immense joy.

Richard shared a large and loving family. He is survived by his siblings: Dorothy Jean "Jeannie" Martin (Jim Anderson), Mary Kuczenski, Charles Martin (Cheryl Martin), Jill Winchell (Phil Winchell), James "Skip" Martin (Terri Martin), Lyle Donovan Stone (Dara Stone), John Stone (Ola Stone), Susie Thayer, Pat Stone (Dawn Stone), Mike Stone (Chris Stone), Tim Stone (Patti Stone), Brian Stone, and Mary Poppe (Mike Poppe).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman Stone, Virginia Stone, and Ronald Martin, his granddaughter, Madison Henley, and his brother in-law, Jim Anderson.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board for their compassion, care, and support.

Richard's legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the family he loved so fiercely.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 10 a.m.– 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Hayward Vet Center in Hayward.

Online condolences can be made at pineviewfuneralservice.com