Joseph W. "Joe" Martin

Joseph W. “Joe” Martin, 87, of Bettendorf, formally of Dubuque, Rockford, IL, and Mountain Home, AR, died Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at his home. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Saturday, October 5, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Bettendorf. Visitation will be one hour before services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John Vianney for a future scholarship at the St. Joan of Arc Catholic School currently under construction.

Honoring his wishes, the rite of cremation has been accorded.

Joe was born Nov. 4th, 1936, in Dubuque, IA., to Chris and Mary (Marshall) Martin. He married Mary Dunlap on Sept. 2, 1961, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, in Davenport.

He was a graduate of St. Raphael Grade School, Loras Academy, and St. Ambrose College. His early work years were at Gunite Foundry, in Rockford, IL, and as Plant Manager at French & Hecht, in Davenport. His later work years were in the insurance business.

He enjoyed his years of coaching grade school basketball at St Raphael's in Dubuque, St Bridget's in Loves Park, IL and St. Paul's in Davenport. He spent many summers on the mound as a Fast-pitch softball pitcher. He also loved his St. Louis Cardinals. He enjoyed his time golfing, fishing, and duck hunting. He was a member of the Elks for 54 years, and a 35-year member of the Secular 3rd Order of Franciscans.

Surviving are his wife, Mary, of 63 years; daughters, Margaret “Goosie”, Kathleen “Beaner”, Ann “Web”, Theresa“Mushie”, Bridget “Bee”; sons Michael “Moose”, John “Johnie Umm”, James “Walter Whale”, Matthew “Mathis Baranabus P. Quesir”... what a great fun crew to raise! Additional survivors include 29 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; sons-in-law,Eric Arp, Tim Erpelding, Paul Knepp; and brother-in-law Glenn Droessler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother James C. Martin, sister Jean Droessler, infant sister Del Rose, daughters-in-law Ewa Martin and Kristie Martin, and grandchildren Hannah and Kevin. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to St. Croix Hospice and all of those who helped care for him.

Online remembrances may be expressed at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.