Robert F. Martineau

Robert Francis Martineau, 85, of Chippewa Falls, passed peacefully with his sons at his side Monday, November 13, 2023 at Marshfield Medical Center in Eau Claire. 

Robert was born June 1st, 1938 to Lorraine (Fliehr) and Don Martineau in Chippewa Falls, WI in their home on Elm Street.  He attended school in Cadott, and proudly served in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years. While serving in the US Air Force, Bob met the love of his life, his beloved wife Brenda Genier in Silver Bay, MN. They were married one year later. He was stationed in Newfoundland, Minnesota, Italy, Japan, New York, Hawaii, and North Dakota.  Their family grew over the years welcoming their six sons, David (Sandra); Scott, Christopher (Sheri); Tony, Robert (Brenda), and Donald (Amy). After retiring from the US Air Force, he returned to his hometown of Chippewa Falls WI. Robert enjoyed his family and was proud of his service which included coding and top-secret communications during the Cold War.   

He was happiest when he was surrounded by his sons when they were quiet (which was rare), and as adults, listening to them telling old stories of family life. His children contributed to his gray hair, but he loved to laugh at their stories. For example, like most men, he did not like to stop while traveling by car. Often, while living in Minot, North Dakota, he and Brenda traveled non-stop to Cadott in a station wagon, with six young active children and their dog while towing a camper. They gave him the title “Master of Duct Tape” because there was nothing you couldn’t fix with duct tape. 

If you have ever been to Gutknecht’s Market, Bob was always there to greet you behind the counter as his second career.  He loved talking with the customers of Gutknecht’s and handing out samples to make some smiles. 

He is also survived by four brothers, Larry (Eileen), Richard (Judith), Steve (Rae) and Mark (Chris) Martineau; and one sister, Donna (Dick) Geissler. After he retired, he and Brenda enjoyed spending time with their 10 grandchildren: Andrew, Simon, Sophie, Vincent, Danni, Sienna, Kristian, Allie, Sara, and Katie.  Above all, Robert was devoted and loved Brenda and spending time with her.  

Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Brenda, his parents, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.

The family would like to thank the Marshfield nursing staff and the respiratory therapy staff for their outstanding love and care they shared with Bob and the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The American Lung Association 13100 West Lisbon Rd., Suite 700, Brookfield, WI 53005 or online at info@lung.org

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, November 17th at St. Charles Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls. Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Gorman will be celebrant of the funeral Mass. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Chippewa Falls. Military rites will be conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services at 11:30 a.m. on Friday at the church.  

AFTER SERVICE NOTICE:

Funeral services for Robert F. Martineau were held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 17 at St. Charles Church in Chippewa Falls.

Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Gorman was celebrant of the funeral Mass assisted by Mass servers, Steve Armstrong and Peter Murphy. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Chippewa Falls. Military rites were conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.

Music during the Mass was provided by Abigail Lynch and the St. Charles Funeral Choir. Readings were given by Diane Schemenauer.

Casket bearers were Andrew, Chris, Dave, Don, Rob, Scott, Simon and Tony Martineau.

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