Dairl J Martin Jr

Dairl J. Martin, lovingly known as "Duck," age 74, of Cadott, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on January 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on January 16, 1952, in Denver, Colorado, to Dairl Sr. Martin and Dorothy Martin Kreyer.

Dairl met the love of his life, Margaret "Peggy" O'Donnell, on June 23, 1973, and they were married on October 7, 1973. Together they shared 52 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, devotion, and family.

Dairl was involved early in a youth prevention and education program, earned a welding degree, and built a lifelong career in welding after moving with his family between Colorado and Wisconsin. He co-founded a welding business with his brother Smiley, worked on a wide range of creative projects, and later held several welding positions before retiring in 2005. Outside of work, he enjoyed the outdoors, Green Bay Packers football, and music, expressing himself through songwriting, guitar, and his band, MMAI (Me, Myself, And I)

Family meant everything to Dairl. He shared a very special bond with each of his eight grandchildren: Josh (Lexi) Martin, Amber Martin, Sarah Martin, Stephen Martin, Audrey (Dallas) Bridgwater, Brittany Heuer (Taylor), Breana Heuer, and Amelia Koch. He was also blessed with 16 great-grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and joy.

Dairl is survived by his devoted wife, Peggy; his children, Dairl Martin, Jessica Eckert of Chippewa Falls, Noah Martin (Jen) of Eau Claire, and Angela Martin (Jason) of Cadott; his siblings, Marrianne (Larry) Berg, Annamarie (Ted) Govin, Linda Sue Martin, and Butch (Kathy) Martin, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dairl Sr and Dorothy Martin, Kreyer his step father Werner Kreyer, his siblings, Harold (Dolly) Martin, and David "Smiley" (Donna) Martin; and his beloved nephew, Nathan Martin.

Dairl will be remembered for his deep love of family, his gift for music, his quick wit, and a laugh that could never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Dairl will have a celebration of his beautiful life at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20th at Stokes Prock and Mundt Funeral Chapel, 535 S. Hillcrest Parkway in Altoona, WI. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. A time reminiscing with food and beverages to follow at the VFW Post 305, 1300 Starr Ave, Eau Claire from 4:00 p.m.-9 :00 p.m.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.