On Tuesday evening, April 18, 2017, the family of Calvin Wayne Martzke lost their brother, uncle, and friend.
Cal was born on September 28, 1956 in Shawano, a son of the late Willard and Gwen (Mickel) Martzke. He attended Shawano schools, graduating with the Class of 1974. He enjoyed wrestling in high school and hanging out with the gang. Calvin worked at Engel’s Moving and Storage and Heritage Hardwoods, as well as the family farm where there were always chores to do. In 1998 Cal took over running the farm. He was happiest outside with his cows or doing field work, but he also enjoyed the many family get-togethers. He especially enjoyed the family reunions at the farm where the out of town cousins could enjoy farm life.
One thing Cal was very proud of doing was teaching young people, including Craig and Amber Sperberg, about farm life and hard work. From the time they could ride their bikes down the road, Craig and Amber would show up for chores and supper. Calvin also had out of town helpers, Emily and Mariah Gooeppinger, who spent weekends helping in the barn.
Calvin is survived by his sisters and brothers, Sandy Wendorff, Darwin (Ardith) Martzke, Steve (Debbie) Martzke, Cheryl (Pete) Arthur, all of Shawano, and Hope (Michael “Bitzen”) Peters of Keshena; his brother-in-law, Chuck Arthur of Green Bay; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Donna Arthur.
A memorial service for Calvin W. Martzke will take place on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at 3:00 PM at Mickelson Funeral Service in Shawano. Pastor Travis Kleinschmidt will officiate. Private family burial will take place at St. Jakobi Lutheran Cemetery at a later date. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers and plants the family requests memorials be made in Cal’s name to the American Cancer Society.
“Cal, you might be gone but will not be forgotten. The family farm will survive.”
Funeral service arrangements are pending and will be announced on Friday. Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.
“The family would like to thank all those who visited with Cal and brought food for him. They would also like to thank the Red River Riders Club and the Red River Sportsman’s Club. A special thanks to Dennis Wendorff for all his help on the farm during Cal’s illness as well as Justin and Sarah Engel for taking over the day to day running of the farm. The family would also like to thank ThedaCare at Home Hospice for all their help and understanding in Cal’s final wishes, and Pastor Kleinschmidt for all the prayers and talks.”