Martin Paul Koski was born on August 31, 1924, to parents Frank and Hilda. He was their second son after older brother Walter. Martin was born, raised, and settled in Florence County, WI, where he married his one and only love, Clara Butterfield, on July 21, 1947. Together, they enjoyed 50 years of marriage, filled full of adventures and times spent with loved ones.

Martin was a dedicated worker and took great pride in his farming equipment and the land he owned and farmed. He also took satisfaction in serving his community by working for the county of Florence and proudly held a blasting license for many years.

What Martin was best known for was his generous love and care for his family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. Martin was always willing to drop what he was doing and to help someone in need. To many, he was their first call in a pinch; whether it was a piece of machinery getting stuck, a car that wouldn't start, a tree that needed cutting, or a boulder that needed blasting, he was always willing to lend a helping hand. Martin had a superhero-like ability to conquer any situation and could fix nearly anything. He embodied God's second greatest commandment, "Love thy neighbor, as yourself."

Martin was loved, admired, and adored by everyone he met. His favorite pass time was simply "going visiting," as he called it when he would stop by a neighbor's house for coffee and a chat. Martin was known for his many stories of yesteryear and had a remarkable memory for recalling detail. He had a wealth of knowledge of the area's history, most of which he lived through in his 97 years. Martin was also known for his inventory of jokes and sprinkled them into every conversation. He was famously known for his long goodbyes, many of which could take several hours. The near century he lived and spent with loved ones was his longest goodbye.

To his family, Martin was the center pillar. He cherished his family, especially his grandchildren, and boasted about them any opportunity he got. And in return, his family treasured their grandpa. Caring for and supporting his kin was Martin's top priority, and he was always faithfully reliable.

The impact that Martin left on this world was tremendous and reached many. He spread laughter and joy everywhere he went. He touched countless lives with his kindness and happy spirit. The world was truly blessed to have him in it, and that blessing was multiplied by his longevity. Although the Lord has now called his faithful son home to heaven, his legacy will carry on in our hearts as we repeat his jokes, re-tell his stories, and remember him in yesteryear.

In addition to his parents and wife, Clara, Martin was preceded in death by one brother, Walter Koski.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 5, 2022, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home, Florence, Wis. The Funeral service will be Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Ryan Flunker will officiate. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery, Florence, Wis.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Martin's family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Florence, Wisc., to honor Martin's legacy of life.