Norbert  A. "Norbie" Martin

Norbert A. “Norbie” Martin, age 92, passed away at MCHS in Bloomer with his family at his side on Thursday, September 29, 2016. He was born on September 6, 1924 in Bloomer to Arthur and Nettie (Vahlenkamp) Martin. He graduated from Bloomer High School in 1942 and enlisted in the US Army Air Corps, where he served from 1943-1946 as a medic, a door gunner for B-24 aircraft and was a Technical Sergeant. He flew night missions from Texas to New York, seeking to destroy enemy submarines. Norbie married Lucille Gehring on July 10, 1948 in Bloomer. He worked at the Bloomer Brewery, was a parts manager for the Ford garage and was a mail carrier for the USPS for 29 Years. Norbie loved to fish. He created a fly tying and fly rod business and taught his children, plus many other folks the art of tying flies and bugs for fly fishing. He created the “Norbie Martin Special Bumble Bee”, which was an extremely effective sunfish bait. He and Norb Ruff created and patented the swivel head jig, which was another fish slayer. He last fished and waded the Brule River at age 82. His other passion was hunting, shooting 4 moose and over 80 deer. He last hunted with his famous Axehandle Hunting Crew at age 85. Norbie was a true sportsman who loved the thrill of the hunt, the camaraderie of friends and of course, the meat. He was a member of the Bloomer Rod and Gun Club, St. John’s Lutheran Church, and American Legion Post 295.

Norbie is survived by his wife: Lucy; children: Rod Martin, Craig Martin and Susan (Bill) McInnis; 5 granddaughters: Dana (Rick) Kressin, Kelly Martin, Malia (Josh) Clements, Rebecca McInnis and McKenzie McInnis; 4 great-grandchildren: Andrew and Avery Kressin, Colt and Huck Clements; sister in-law: Angela Martin of Appleton, numerous other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Arthur and Nettie Martin; brother A. Harold Martin; nephew: Andrew Martin.

Funeral services will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at 4:00 PM with a visitation from 1:00-4:00 PM at the church on Sunday. Bloomer American Legion and VFW will be performing the military honors. Private interment will be held at a later date in the Bloomer Cemetery. Olson Funeral Home is assisting the family.

The family wishes to thank Colfax Health and Rehab, Olson Funeral Home and the MCHS in Bloomer, for their compassion care and love for Norbie Martin.