George E. Martin, 78, of Sparta, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems, in La Crosse. He was born on May 26, 1948 in La Crosse, to Theodore and Katherine (Gardner) Martin. George grew up in Portland and was a 1966 graduate of Cashton High School.
A nearly 60-year love story began in 1967 when George met Marlene Matson of Sparta. George and Marlene were married on January 4, 1969. Shortly after their wedding, George accepted a job with General Motors, and the newlyweds moved to Janesville, Wisconsin. During their time in Janesville, they were blessed with two sons, Brad and Chris. After five years at GM, it was time to move back to Sparta to raise their family.
Back in the Sparta area, George worked for Schreier Implement, Lake States Lumber, and spent several years as a custom crop farmer for Mike Linnehan. For the majority of his career, George worked as a truck driver. Using the CB handle “Robin Hood,” he proudly logged more than 3 million miles hauling bulk flour from Bay State Milling in Winona, Minnesota.
George loved his community. He was a proud member of the Rod and Gun Club, and while his boys were young, he served as a Boy Scout leader. But George was undoubtedly best known for his dedication to Sparta Butterfest. For 30 years, he served on the Sparta Festivals Committee and was honored to be named Festmaster in 2006. Alongside Marlene, George pulled the Butterfest float in countless parades over a span of 18 years.
George had a lifelong love for classic cars and was especially proud of the 1955 Pontiac he purchased when he was 18 years old—a car he still owned. Trips to the Iola and Jefferson car shows and swap meets with family were among his happiest days. George never missed a good auction and collected many treasures over the years.
Being called Grandpa brought George more joy than anything else in this world. Spending time in nature hunting and fishing with his grandsons, playing outside with his granddaughters, and splashing at the waterpark with all of his grandchildren during family trips to Wisconsin Dells created memories that will be cherished forever.
George is survived by his wife, Marlene of Sparta; children, Brad Martin of Bangor and Chris (Angie) Martin of Sparta; 5 grandchildren, Tony (Kasey) Martin of Knoxville, TN, Emily Martin of Eau Claire, Brett Kelly of Holmen, Jenna Martin of Sparta, and Colby Martin of Sparta; siblings, Donna Oium of Westby, Ron Martin of Washington, Darleen (Norm) Ziegler of Sparta, Delbert Martin of Holmen, Tim Martin of Sparta, and Bruce (Linda) Martin of Portland; as well as many other nieces, nephews, friends and relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Vinny Martin; brothers, Bud, Jerry and Ted; and other in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Chaplain Priscilla Hemmersbach officiating. A luncheon will follow the service at American Legion Post 100 in Sparta.
A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at the funeral home, and from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to SACS and the staff of Mayo Clinic Health System in Sparta, La Crosse and Rochester.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.
