Martin Gassen

Stoughton/Richland Center- Martin J. Gassen, age 89, passed away on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at home surrounded by family. He was born in Richland Center on June 4, 1922 to Richard and Clara (Faber) Gassen. On October 21, 1946 Martin married Rosemary Stadele of Muscoda. He retired in 1981 after 30 years at Oscar Mayer Foods. Martin then operated "Marty's Polishing and Repair" until 1995, when his son took over. He loved antique cars which he had at "Marty's Antique Cars." Martin was a faithful member of St. Ann Catholic Church and was an usher for many years. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rosemary; their children, Dennis (Jeanne) of Deerfield, Diane (Dave) Vidlock of Cross Plains, Ed (Grace), Jeffrey (Tammy), Nancy (Rick) Thruman, Julie (Jeff) Kronfrost of Stoughton, Thomas (Fernanda) of Lowell, MA and Kevin (Nita) of Camino, CA; 20 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; seven step grandchildren; five step great grandchildren; brother, Leonard of Seekonk, MA; sisters, Rita Weitzel of Richland Center, Angela (Don) Harsha of Waunakee, Agnes Walsh of Baraboo and Mary (Don) Port of Janesville. Martin was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Frank, Gilbert, Lawrence and James; and sister, Martha. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Stoughton, with Monsignor Gerard Healy officiating. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon in Healy Hall following the burial. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday, March 9, 2012 at Cress Funeral Home and from 10:30 AM until the time of services Saturday at church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Ann Catholic Church or to the charity of the donors choice. The family is especially thankful for the care of Agrace HospiceCare Inc., and to Martin's daughter-in-law, Tammy.