Thomas “Tom” F. Martin, age 70, of Tomahawk, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, at his home under the care of his family and Compassus Hospice. Tom was born in Hillside, Ill., on Feb. 10, 1952, to the late Frank and Mary (Yagodics) Martin. He was married to Keri Buedingen on Nov. 16, 1994; she survives.
Tom grew up in Chicago, Ill., but left the rat race in the early 1980s and moved south of Tomahawk. Self-taught, he built his own home on raw land next to Berry Creek. Tom loved the outdoors and went fishing as often as he could. After a few years of odd remodeling jobs, he was hired at the local Harley-Davidson, where he began in the paint department. Tom worked with and moved his family to Kansas City, Mo., where another Harley plant was later opened.
Tom was an excellent woodworker and could fix anything. If you knew Tom and his friends, you never needed a handy or maintenance man. Tom was passionate about cooking and planned and cooked homemade meals for his family. When the internet arrived, he was not afraid to pick any recipe and make it. Thanks to the internet, he loved keeping in touch with his family and many friends on Facebook. Tom cared for the environment and hoped to leave it in a better state for his family, including his four grandchildren. Every piece of wooden furniture in the house was created in his beloved workshop, which he also built. Tom was always willing to teach others and share his knowledge and skills.
After retirement at the age of 50, he enjoyed 20 years of free time, which was spent in his workshop, using his lathe to create beautiful bowls and for a few years, sold them locally and gifted friends. Tom and his wife both loved feeding and watching the birds and every bird west of the river came to “the Martin Smorgasbord.” Tom was a great neighbor and helped any way he could. He was gentle, kind, and had a positive attitude. He lived simply, honestly, and with integrity and will be missed by all who knew him. The last two years challenged him in a way he couldn’t imagine, but he never gave up. He was always trying to make it easy for everyone else. Tom’s spirit will live forever on the banks of the mighty Berry and the freedom and beauty of 40 acres of paradise that he created.
Survivors include his wife, Keri Martin, of Tomahawk; his son, Benjamin (Melissa) Martin, of Appleton, Wis.; his daughters Emilymae King-Ryden, of Minocqua, Wis.; his brothers, Bill (Lisa) Martin, of Arizona, Paul (Barb) Martin, of Lyons, Ill., John (Diane) Martin, of Elgin, Ill., and his best friend, Wally Kiselyk, who was like a brother and visited Tom several times each year for annual spring and fall fishing; his sisters, Janice (Dick), of Oregon, JoAnne (John), of California, and Kathleen, of Chicago. Tom was further survived by his grandchildren, Leah, Landen, and Aro, and his step-granddaughter, Makenna. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary.
In accordance with Tom’s wishes, no formal services will be held. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory, Tomahawk, is assisting the family. You may view Tom’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.