William "Bill" Martine

William “Bill” Martine age 92, of Bass Lake, passed away on February 22, 2025, at The Renaissance in Appleton, surrounded by his loving family and the supportive, caring staff.

Bill was the son of Steven and Polly Martine, both first-generation Greek immigrants. Bill graduated from Antigo High School in 1950. He served in the Korean War, upon his return he earned his degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. He began his career as a teacher in Crandon; he left teaching and turned his passion for business into a successful career as an entrepreneur in the restaurant industry.

Along with a couple of friends from the Green Bay Packers, Bill and his Packer friends owned and operated The Left Guard restaurants. Later, Bill and Jane owned and operated Martine’s Restaurant in Appleton. He was also a founding partner of Pedro’s Mexican Restaurante. After retiring from the restaurant industry, he returned to teaching in Crandon and Elcho, where he also coached the Elcho golf team, sharing his love for the game with his students.

An honorary member of the Wisconsin PGA and passionate about golf; Bill and Jane were longtime members of Butte des Morts Country Club and lifelong members of Bass Lake Country Club. He loved Bass Lake, making countless memories with family and friends, earning him the nickname “Bass Lake Bill” and the self-proclaimed title of “Mayor of Bass Lake.”

He is survived by his children, James (Colleen) Martine of Sun Prairie, Mary (Thomas) Buchta of Summit Lake, Thomas (Jessica) Martine of Appleton, and Bill (Valerie) Martine of Irvine, California; grandchildren Jane Ellen (Brian) Michalski, Mary Claire Buchta, Meghan (Marc) Pawlus, James (Margaret) Martine, Steven Martine, Max, Cal, and Molly Martine, Jack and Grant Martine; great-grandchildren Jack and Vivienne; his sister Helen; and nephews Terry, Steve, and Patrick, along with their families.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jane, his parents, and his brother, Nick.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 500 W. Marquette St., Appleton, WI, on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. with Father Juan Carlos presiding. Visitation will begin at the church at 9:30 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. The Rite of Committal and burial will take place at Summit Lake Lakeside Cemetery at a later date. For online condolences, please visit www.valleyfh.com

To both the staff at Renaissance Assisted Living and the nurses from Aseracare Hospice we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the loving care given to our father. Your kindness during this difficult time meant the world to us. Flowers are welcome, or memorial donations may be made to Aseracare Hospice or Renaissance Assisted Living.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.