Frederick “Ford” Martin

Frederick “Ford” Donald Martin, born on May 9, 1959, in Chippewa Falls, WI, left for work on Thursday, December 12, 2024, and never came home. He died from natural causes at the age of 65. Fred, was a devoted son, brother, father, grandfather, friend, and husband. He lived a life full of love, humor, and generosity that touched the lives of many friends and family.

Fred proudly served in the US Army from 1983 to 1986 and again from 1988 to 1992. During his service, he was stationed in Germany, South Korea, Missouri, and Georgia, where he made lifelong friendships and developed a strong sense of duty. Throughout his military career, Fred was recognized for his dedication and excellence, receiving the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Expert Rifle Badge. Fred discharged from the Army with the rank Sergeant.

Fred worked as a skilled land surveyor, assisting in the placement of the “Progress of the State” statue on top of the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, MN. He also helped map the course for the movement of “The Armstrong House” in Downtown St. Paul and was responsible for the mapping of the Schubert Club Bandstand. In addition to these projects, Fred contributed to the planning and construction of countless roads, houses, buildings, windfarms, and other infrastructure in places such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, North Dakota, Colorado, Texas, and many more.

Fred enjoyed traveling in his off time, visiting places like Alaska, Mexico, California, Arizona, and countless other destinations that brought him great joy. He also enjoyed shopping for “the deals,” discussing the weather, and dabbling in political discourse. Taking joy in listening to a wide range of music, Fred, would listen from everything rock n’ roll, country, and more contemporary artists. He even would proudly proclaim himself a “Swiftie.” Fred was a grand consumer of movies, often quoting them frequently, especially “Dumb and Dumber” and “The Grinch” (Jim Carey). He took great joy in spending time with his family, especially playing with his nine grandchildren, who brought him immense happiness.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Martin and Barbara Josephine Martin. He is survived by his loving sons: Austin Martin (Kelly Curran), Kyle Geissler (Robin Stephens), Clint Geissler (Brienne Seifert), and Cliff Geissler (Megan Wolfe); his grandchildren: Thanu and Porrawat (Kyle and Robin), Zoey and Layne (Clint and Brienne), Sterling, Everly, and Blakely (Cliff and Megan), and Declan and Nolan (Austin and Kelly); his loving sisters: Sandy (Bob Heritsch), Rose (Greg Barker), Janice (Dave Campos), Marge (Jay Sivertsen), and Tracy; and his brothers: James (Gail Nelson), Peter (Lisa), Sidney (Pat). Fred is also survived by his best-friend and wife, Charlene, who together shared a deep bond built on love, respect, and unwavering support for each other through life’s joys and challenges whose warm and loving relationship stood as a positive testament to those around them.

A celebration of Fred’s life will be held Friday afternoon, Dec. 20, 2024 at O’Connell Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson, WI. Gathering of family and friends 2-3:30 PM with a Memorial Service 3:30 PM.

Fred’s legacy of love and endearing friendship will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have known him.