Rev, John E. "Jack" Martin, II

Rev. John E. Martin, II, 74 of Germantown, WI, died on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at Froedtert Hospital in Menomonee Falls.

Jack was born on January 25, 1947 in Oshkosh, WI, the son of John and Mildred (Graper) Martin. He was baptized in 1947, at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church and was confirmed in 1961, at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, both in Oshkosh, WI. He graduated from Northwestern Prep School and Northwestern College, both of Watertown, WI in 1965 and 1969 respectively.  He graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI in 1973 and began his ministry soon after.  On April 22, 1973, John married Joan Schwalbe in Delano, MN and the couple had 8 children and 24 grandchildren. Congregations where Reverend Martin served in the public ministry include Mt. Olive Evangelical Lutheran (Delano, MN) 1971-1972, Martin Luther Evangelical Lutheran (Forest Lake, MN) 1973-1977, and Bethany Evangelical Lutheran (Kenosha, WI) 1977-1991. In retirement, Jack continued to be an active member of his churches - volunteering to lead Bible classes, regularly greeting for church services, and spending countless hours maintaining church grounds. He was also a very loving and dedicated husband, father and grandfather. Jack faithfully provided for his wife of 48 years as a consistent and loving servant leader for both spiritual and earthly needs (she never had to check the gas gauge, because she knew he’d always have the tank full for her). As father and grandfather, Jack was very proud of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, attending their various functions to encourage and support them. Whether Jack was volunteering at church or spending time with his family, he was always ready to welcome a new face and share the Gospel message - oftentimes with a “howdy, howdy” and a story or joke.

Jack is survived by: his wife Joan Martin of Germantown, children Rev. Joshua (Katie) of Jefferson, WI, John E. III (Christine) of Newburg WI, Aaron (Amy) of Germantown, WI, Rev. Micah (Julie) of Newtonburg, WI, Anna (Kenney) White of River Falls, WI, Leah (Nate) Samuelson of Blaine, MN, Eve (Rev. Noah) Headrick of Eagle River, WI, and Samuel (Jennifer) of Hales Corners, WI; 24 grandchildren Allison, Lucas, Madelyn, Charlotte, Kaitlyn, John E. IV, Marcus, Paige, Aiden, Calaen, Grady, Olivia, Josiah, Nora, Mara, Jonah, Zoey, Hazel, Hannah, Levi, Charis, Ezra, Irene, and Karissa; sisters Shareen Halverson of Springfield, MN and Marilyn (Rich) Siegler of Manitowoc, WI; sister-in-law Diana Martin of Oshkosh.  Jack is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother David, and 2 siblings in infancy.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, June 28, 2021 at Bethlehem Ev. Lutheran Church of Menomonee Falls with Rev. Phil Arnold presiding.  Visitation will be on Monday from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the student aid fund of Luther Preparatory School in Jack's honor at https://community.lps.wels.net/

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rev, John E. "Jack" Martin, II, please visit our floral store.