After putting up a hell of a fight, Captain Thomas “Tom” Martineau, 74, a longtime resident of Iron River, WI, formerly of Superior, WI and Duluth, MN, set sail for the last time on the 11th December 2021, at home after a long illness.
Born to Joseph and Myrtle Peterson (Kolek) Martineau on July 16, 1947, Tom grew up in Superior, WI and throughout his life proudly remembered and stayed connected to some of his North End roots. The third of five children, Tom and his older siblings Edward and Maxine helped their mother raise their younger siblings Doug and Dennis after their father died unexpectedly at a very young age.
Tom maintained strong bonds with his siblings throughout his and their lives. After graduating from Superior Central High School in 1965, Tom navigated the Great Lakes beginning as a “pearl diver” (dishwasher), before there were automatic dishwashers. Soon after, Tom was promoted to Oiler, Deckhand and several other seafaring positions. He was suddenly drafted into the army in 1968 and served honorably with the U.S. Army in Vietnam as Commanding Officer of SP5(T) in 1968 and 1969 on river patrol boats and was awarded four medals: Service of the national defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign. Army Medal and Medal of Honor.
When Tom returned from Vietnam, he pursued his dream and love of sailing and worked his way to the top of the Mariners ranks. He was a Great Lakes Ship Captain for most of his sailing years with the former Inland Steel, now Ispat-Inland and retired in 2006 after 40 years of dedicated service. Anyone who knew him would agree that Tom fit the role of captain with no ifs and ors about it. Executioner, focused, intelligent and precise, Tom commanded respect without demanding it. He was a gentleman, though he had a somewhat profane (but still entertaining) vocabulary. A strong moral compass and fierce determination shone through in everything he did. Tom was a role model of responsibility and integrity to his family and friends, and was a proud member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
Tom, however, also knew how to “let his hair down”, which he would tell you as he cocked his nearly bald head with a jovial laugh, a mischievous grin and a twinkle in his stunning blue eyes. He enjoyed laughing and making people laugh, playing pool, playing fast cars (especially Dodge Chargers), riding his Harley Trike with his wife Debbie, camping in their toy hauler, hitting the trails on his ATVs with his kids. and make rounds on Deep Lac at the wheel of their pontoon.
One cannot mention Tom without mentioning his many passions. First and foremost, his love and concern for family. Second, his avid enthusiasm and affection for the Green Bay Packers. His enthusiasm for the Packers expressed itself in many ways, but most notably in his rituals regarding lucky clothes and the “rules” that he couldn’t move his Velcro-tearable Packer doll and Packer clothes wherever they went. could have been thrown away. the most recent game, until the next game. Plus, one can’t mention Tom without noting his love of watching Minnesota high school hockey tournaments with his son Gary (AKA BoBo). Tom was also a virtuoso in the kitchen and a master at the helm of a grill; dropping a slice of perfectly grilled prime rib on your plate was one of the many thoughtful ways Tom expressed his love for his friends and family.
If you were lucky enough to be loved by Tom, you never had to question him. Always a straight shooter, Tom had no hesitation in sharing what was on his mind or in his heart. As a caring and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Tom’s compassion, generosity, wisdom, support and patience knew no bounds. Tom will always be remembered as “Dancing Bear” and as someone who inspired even the most reserved among us to dance with him.
Tom is survived by his loving wife Debbie (Little) Martineau, Iron River, WI;
children, Terri Martineau and Gary “Bobo” (Debbie) Frederickson Martineau, both of Duluth; stepchildren, Heather (Douglas Wyant) Laakso, Port Wing, WI, Angela (Scott) Shober, Wrenshall, MN, Lacy Almonte, Superior, WI; and Willie (Katie) Hipsher, Duluth, MN; brothers, Doug (Jenny) Martineau and Dennis Martineau (Rachel Austreng), of Superior, WI; grandchildren, Ashley, Tommy, Jennifer, Jessica, Elena, Lydia, Judah, Finnegan, Joshua, Otto, Alesannea; great-grandson, Jaxon, and 5 additional great-grandchildren; special nephew, TJ Martineau, and nephews, John Dietel, David Dietel and Paul Dietel; niece Holly Pollon; special friend and second, Eric Treece, of Colorado; and Tom and Debs’ loyal canine companion, Daisy.
Tom was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Maxine Dietel; brother Edouard Martineau; nieces, Thea; and Becky and his first wife, Sandy (Klint) Martineau.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held Saturday, June 4 beginning at 2:30 p.m. at the Slade-Goldberg Community Center, 8275 East Mill St. Iron River, WI 54847, where family and friends can share stories on Tom. Tom’s dying wish was for his family and friends to have “one hell of a party on him”. A feast and music in memory of Tom will be provided as directed by Tom.
Military Honors will be presented by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435 Honor Guard at 4:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to Across the Pond Memorial Park, PO Box 31, Iron River, WI 54847 – to replace the tattered American flags and MIA POW flags in the park.
Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 East 5th Street, Superior is helping the family make arrangements. To leave condolences or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenrootmaetzold.com.
