Clarence Marten

Clarence Spengler Marten
“Curly”

Age 88, slid into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior at home on Thursday, April 10, 2008. He was born in Caledonia Township on January 19, 1920, the second son of the late Herbert and Blanche (Spengler) Marten. He became a child of God when baptized at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church in Winneconne, where he was later confirmed in his faith.

Clarence graduated from Winneconne High School in 1939 and attended Oshkosh Business College. He married his high school classmate and sweetheart, the former Gertrude Hoffman, on August 23, 1941, having shared 66 years of marriage. During World War II he served in the United States Army being stationed in the Philippines and Japan. Upon discharge he was employed by the J.C. Penny Company and for over 25 years was a district representative with AAL – Aid Association for Lutherans/Thrivent Financial Services, retiring in 1978.

He was a longtime and faithful member of St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, Appleton, where he served in Ushers Club, Men's Club, Dartball Club, and many Bible study groups. He was an avid golfer participating in league play until age 85. He also enjoyed music, playing the piano, visiting with friends, and following the FVL and Appleton East and North sporting events. He was known for his effervescent personality and for always having a pocketful of root beer barrels, usually slipping one into a handshake.

Clarence is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Gertrude; his two loving daughters; Carol (Eric) Fischer, Marietta, GA and Barbara (Steve) Earl, Appleton; and four cherished grandsons; Garth (Heather) Fischer, Dallas, GA; USAF Captain Derek (Jamie) Fischer, Summerville, SC; Gavin Earl, Terryville, CT; and Colin Earl, Appleton. He is further survived by three sisters-in-law Jeanette Marten, Hot Springs Village, AK; Florence Chase, West Allis; and Faye Hoffman, Winneconne, and other cousins, nieces, and nephews. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Lawrence Marten, and two brothers-in-law, Harold Chase and Arthur Hoffman.

The Christian funeral for Curly will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at ST. PAUL EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 302 N. Morrison Street, in Appleton with Rev. Ralph C. Waack and Rev. Kenneth Frey officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 15, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again at the church on Wednesday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Complete military honors will immediately follow the worship service. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established.

Thank you, Dad, for your unconditional love, your unselfish and devoted commitment to family, and your strong and steady guidance in our Christian upbringing.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920-739-1231