Bernardo "Marti" Martinez

MADISON- Bernardo “Marti” Martinez, age 81, passed away on Monday, January 10, 2022.

Marti was born on August 20, 1940 in Waco, TX to Ysaias and Carlota (Ortega) Martinez.

Bernardo served in the armed forces, first in the Marine Corp and then reenlisting in the Air Force where he was stationed in Madison, Wisconsin at Truax.

Bernardo served as a Firefighter for the Madison Fire department for 32 years and retired June 29, 1990 as a Lieutenant. He loved his Packers and Brewers! He also enjoyed hopping in the car and driving just about anywhere. His yearly trips home to Waco were a given but he also really like driving to places like the Badlands to see the Custer Battlefield. (one of his favorite destinations) In all his travels ne never met a stranger.

Marti is survived by his sons: Michael and Gregory; brothers: Joe and Santos Martinez; sisters: Irene Martinez and Anita Rodriguez. He is further survived by his many nieces and nephews and dear friends. Marti/Bernie will be dearly missed by all his Family and Friends.

Marti was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved cat Sammy; brothers: Nacho and Johnny Martinez. Sisters: Mary Hernandez, Toni Reyes, and Alfonsa Rocha

A celebration of Marti’s life will be held in Wisconsin in spring of 2022.

In lieu of flowers maybe a donation to the Dane County Humane Society ( https://www.giveshelter.org/how-to-help/donate ) in his memory.

From former colleague, Mike Fuss:

MADISON FIRE DEPARTMENT RETIRED FIREMAN BERNARDO MARTINEZ HAS PASSED AWAY

Bernardo (Marti) as we all knew him as, past away Monday January 10, 2022. He was appointed to the department on January 10, 1965 at old Fire Station No. 2, 301 N. Broom St. He served there a year, and on January 9, 1966 he was transferred to old Station No. 6, 957 S. Park St. as the new three platoon 56 hour work week went into effect and Station 2 closed. He was assigned to the B shift on Engine 6 as Aerial Truck 6 was taken out of service at that time also. His crew was: Lieutenant Pete Breitenbach, Carson Mettel, Harold Paltz, Paul Reublin, and Marti. He was also assigned to Station 10, old & new Station 8. He was promoted to and retired as a Lieutenant. He was stationed at old No. 8 the last day when it was open, and moved to new No. 8 the next morning in 1990. He retired in 1992. He served the department for (27) years.

I met Marti a year after he came on the department at No. 6 in 1966. I use to hang around there also. He was a quiet guy with a soft voice and so much fun to be around. Donny Annen worked with him at No. 6, when Don was a Lieutenant, and he had this saying......"Are you nuts?!!" He'd say that to people on the TV while watching a sporting event when something would happen. Well Marti and I started saying that to each other as the first thing that came out of our mouths, on the phone or just meeting up with each other. We'd say it to Donny also when we'd see him or talk on the phone. I loved working with both Marti and Don. I would work with them when I'd fill in were they were working. Two down to earth good guys and great officers. I never heard Marti ever raise his voice. He was always cool and calm. Everyone that met him just loved him. A great guy and good Fireman. May God bless Marti and his family.