Madison – Victor Peter Martinelli, born on April 21, 1923, died peacefully on March 13, 2018, in Madison.

“Vic” would have celebrated his 75th anniversary with his beloved wife, Vincenza, in September.

He was the adored father of five children: Jean (Linn Roth) Martinelli, Carol (Dale) Reuter, Sandy (Dave Jenneke) Martinelli, Mary Jo (Harold Robinson) Winner and Gary (Gina) Martinelli. He was also the proud grandfather of three granddaughters – Michelle Danielson, Erin Hudgens and Carly Winner – and four grandsons – Jacob Reuter, Tony Martinelli, Coleman Winner and Nicholas Jenneke, as well as three great grandsons, Ryan, Alex and Colin Hudgens. He will be greatly missed by all of his many other relatives as well.

The oldest of five children of northern Italian immigrant parents, Massimo and Palmina Martinelli, he attended St. Joseph’s School, then Edgewood and Central High School. Shortly thereafter, he joined the U.S. Army as an Army Air Force Air Transport Command Officer, and trained in Las Vegas, New Mexico, where he and “Vi” married. Then, he shipped off to WWII, spending time in both India and North Africa as a flight simulator instructor. After three and a half years of service, Victor returned to Madison and Madison Business College before starting work as a “white collar businessman,” first at Fitzpatrick, then later at Hall Lumber. He worked in the lumber business for 41 years, until his retirement in 1992. He was a member of the West Side Rotary for 41 years and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4527.

Victor was a humble man, but he needn’t have been. All who knew him loved and respected this man of integrity and sensitivity, a man who always said to “look out for the little guy” and who was the very best of brothers, husbands, fathers and grandfathers. He was wise, giving, gentle, and even goofy sometimes with all of us.

He was always happiest basking in the sunshine on the beach, the backyard or even on the sunporch in winter.

His interests included taking us kids ice skating and to the outdoor movies in the Chevy, reading newspaper articles at dinner for our edification, attending church every Sunday, working with wood, gardening, reading, playing cards, writing up Rotary minutes, golfing, watching basketball and football, spoiling the grandchildren and, mostly, enjoying Mom’s cooking.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Massimo and Palmina Martinelli; his siblings, Rosie, Lucie, Hubert and Marcella; and his son-in-law, Gary Winner.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 Noon on Friday, March 23, 2018, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison, with Monsignor Kenneth Fiedler officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. A luncheon at Church will follow. Victor will be laid to rest at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

The family would like to thank all of the wonderful staff at St. Mary’s Care Center Rehab for their tender care and support of Victor and the entire Martinelli family.

In lieu of flowers, bequests can be made either to Our Lady Queen of Peace Endowment Fund or Agrace HospiceCare: Care for All Campaign.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
5701 Odana Road
608-274-1000

Victor Martinelli

April 21, 1923 - March 13, 2018

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