A Tribute to Joe Martin

From the outside, it may look like this goal of mine to see all of these games is a bit selfish.  However, it has turned out to be so much more than that.  It has resulted in creating incredible memories with my family; reconnecting with friends; making new friends and most importantly - allowing me to do my small part to raise money for a cause I believe is so important - Cancer Research.

When I was young, I watched my father battle cancer.  In recent years I have seen my grandfather and uncle pass away as a result of this disease and my mother-in-law is in the midst of her own battle.

This month a friend of ours passed away after a very courageous battle - Joe Martin.  Since moving to Wisconsin, Deb, the kids and I got to know Joe and his incredible family very well.  Deb and Joe were officers together on the elementary school PTO and developed a very good friendship and working relationship.  Joe and I coached baseball together where I watched him show extreme patience with 5 & 6 year-old boys, teaching them not only the skills of the game, but more importantly respect for teammates, coaches and opponents.  He never was frustrated and always had a smile on his face and a way to make the kids laugh.  This past summer I also coached his son (Nick, who is Ryan's buddy) for the 2nd year of baseball.

Over these few years, Deb has become friends with Joe's wife, Sue and Taylor with his daughter, Michelle. 

Joe, the community of Mequon, WI will truly miss you.  Please keep the Martin family in your thoughts and prayers.

http://www.schmidtandbartelt.com/obituaries/detail.aspx?id=7930