Martens, Daniel J.

Daniel J. Martens, 56, Green Bay, passed away peacefully, Monday, Nov. 26, 2007, at his home after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by family and friends.

He was born May 3, 1951, in Milwaukee, Wis., to Dr. Donald M. and Anna Fern (Krejcarek) Martens.

Dan served in combat in the U.S. Army in Vietnam as a crew chief on a Chinook helicopter. He graduated from Premontre High School and earned his degree from UW-Oshkosh. He spent several years as a cross country truck driver and operated a small business from his home. He worked for Wal-Mart the last 10 years of his life.

Dan was an ardent fisherman, and although his hands were severely burned in an industrial accident, he became an excellent bowler, as evidenced by the large number of his bowling trophies. In his cross-country travels, Dan would buy gifts for his nieces and nephews and at Christmas, would dress properly and present the gifts, bringing cheers and laughter from everyone. Dan loved to grow exotic plants and beautiful flowers in his apartment. He also planted grasses for his beloved cats, Frankie, Ticup and Jessie. Dan loved to read, and his library ran the gamut from Zane Gray to Charles Dickens.

Dan is survived by his parents, Dr. Donald and Anna Martens; and brothers and sisters and their families, Nanci and Shirley; Dean and Linda, Jason, Josh, Jennifer, Chad, Julie, and Chelsie; Cathy Freis and Greg Gretzinger, Aaron; Cindy and Steve Hughes; Nichole, Bryan and Becky; Dr. Linda and Doug Brown, Billy and Crystal; Jim and Lynn, Tamara Kori and Tyler; Jeff and Sherri, Sheena, Jessica, Clifford, Owen and Alexandria; and Michele and Phil Hofer. He is also survived by one great-nephew, Noah.

He was preceded in death by his nephew, Neal; his grandparents, Harold and Emma Martens and Walter and Julia Krejcarek; as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends may call at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2597 Glendale Ave., Howard, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the church with the Rev. John Bergstadt officiating. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Howard.

We wish to express our appreciation to Heartland Hospice, especially Heidi Brown and Dr. Jaslowski for their kindness and loving care. Thanks also to a special visitor and friend, Rod Hughes whose visits were looked forward to, and enjoyed by Dan.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Dan's name.

Blaney Funeral Home is assisting the family. To send online condolences, please go to Blaney Funeral Home