Terry Lee Martz

Terry Martz, 70, of Wautoma, passed away peacefully in the early morning of May 31, 2025, from heart failure complicated by kidney cancer treatment. Born on October 21, 1954, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to George and Dolores Martz, Terry lived a life defined by his love for family, community, and the outdoors.

Terry’s passion for sports was obvious through his years of coaching and officiating. It was while working at playgrounds in Milwaukee that he met the love of his life, Cindy, whom he married on August 28, 1976. Together, they built a beautiful family.

In 1981, Terry’s career in the insurance business led him to Wautoma, where he formed a meaningful connection with Bob Frederick of the Frederick Insurance Agency. Inspired by the tight-knit community, Terry and his family settled in Wautoma, and in 1992, he purchased the agency from Bob, renaming it Martz Insurance Agency. He took great pride in serving his clients and making a lasting impact on the community he cherished.

An avid outdoorsman, Terry found joy in hunting at a family property in Adams County and fishing in Tomahawk, another favorite getaway. In addition, he enjoyed memorable Canadian fishing trips with friends and family and elk hunts in Montana. He cherished traveling to Cancun, Mexico, where he and Cindy made unforgettable memories. Known for his infectious humor, Terry was a master storyteller and loved sharing jokes, bringing laughter and warmth to everyone around him.

Terry’s deep Catholic faith was a cornerstone of his life. He generously donated his time as a chaplain or Catholic presider at King Veterans Home and Redgranite Prison, where he shared God’s word and provided spiritual guidance, touching countless lives with his compassion and dedication. In his later years, Terry was also proud of his involvement in St. Joseph’s Finance Council and Buildings and Grounds Committee, as well as his place on the boards of ThedaCare Wild Rose, and Stoneridge Meats and Country Market.

A true leader in his community, Terry served in multiple civic organizations. With his passion for coaching, officiating, and youth sports, he took pride in his involvement with local athletics. In late winter, Terry’s service to the community shone through when he dressed up to visit nursing homes, daycares, group celebrations, parades, and church Masses, reminding everyone of the true meaning of Christmas. You’d see him around, but you’d never find him when Santa was present. He took his duties very seriously, leaving a legacy of service and generosity.

Terry is survived by his beloved wife, Cindy; his children, Jennifer (Dan) Reis, Jeff (Sara) Martz, and Katie Martz; grandchildren, Jack and Anna Martz; his brother-in-law, Alex Jankowski; his sisters-in-law, Debbie (Gary) Klenz, Lisa (Ben) Guido, and Jackie (Matt) Wecker; his aunt, Ellen (Rich) Naumann; his godmother, Pat Bahr; and honorary family member, Sister Mary Ellen Doherty, who held a special place in his heart. He is also survived by numerous other family members and friends whom he cherished deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Dolores Martz; his sister, Christine Jankowski; and his in-laws, Bud and Ruth Michaels.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday, June 9, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wautoma. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials should be given to the Friends of the Waushara Community YMCA: https://cfcwi.org/wausharaymca/.