Martin Edward Kirst passed away on the evening of September 29, 2021 in his apartment at the Markesan Resident Center.  His daughter Renae was at his side and he was supported by the very caring staff of North Terrace Assisted Living and the remarkable members of the SSM Hospice team.

Martin was born on February 20, 1931 to Robert and Adaline (Klettke) Kirst.  He lived his entire life in Green Lake County.  In 1952 he married Phyllis Albright in Markesan and they celebrated 68 years of marriage before Phyllis preceded him in death.  Two children were born of this union, Dean and Renae.

In his early career life, Martin was a dairy farmer, milking cows twice a day and managing the crops on 180 acres.  He then designed and built a home on Little Green Lake, moving his family there in 1968.  Martin worked for the Moorman Feed Company before joining the staff at the Markesan State Bank.  Martin served on the bank board of directors and become the bank president.  He was instrumental in building the new bank on Bridge Street in Markesan and then in establishing and building branch offices in Randolph, Waupun and on Highway 44 in Markesan.  The Markesan State Bank, it's employees, board members and customers were very dear to his heart.  Martin had a deep commitment to the community of Markesan.

Although Martin always enjoyed building and working with wood, his activity level in this area increased significantly after his retirement.  Many people throughout the community have something in their homes or businesses that Martin built in his "shop across the road." Martin enjoyed gardening and working in his orchard.  He appreciated what the land could provide.  He enjoyed supplying many people with fresh fruits and vegetables----can you say BEETS? As most people know, Martin made thousands of gallons of wine in his lifetime.  Some of it was good!  Anything he got his hands on eventually became wine including parsnips, celery and cantaloupe.  Cheers to Martin!  He and Phyllis enjoyed traveling when their children were young.  In later years, the two of them enjoyed going to Florida, Door County and Branson, Missouri.  However, they never took one of Martin's numerous antique cars on those trips.  Fishing, hunting, driving the Gator and making chop suey were other hobbies Martin engaged in.  He was active in the Markesan Kiwanis Club and for many years and participated in the annual Kiwanis Club Variety Show.

But most dear to Martin's heart was his family and his faith.  He was proud of his children and their spouses.  He and Phyllis sacrificed their personal schedules to be present for all family life events.  He was a "hands-on" grandpa to four grandchildren and he was overjoyed to know his six great-grandchildren.  Martin and Phyllis lived their lives for their family and expressed that through their tremendous generosity.  Martin was also a very active member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Markesan and later at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Manchester.  Over the years he served on many church committees and boards.  He sang in the choir and for a period of time directed it.  He wrote the lyrics and melodies to several hymns that were then arranged by a friend, David Morstad.  He instilled a great appreciation for family and faith in his children as well.  Every meal at Martin's house began with prayer.

Martin was proceeded in death by his wife Phyllis in 2020 and by his grandson Michael Kirst in 2015.  He was also proceeded in the death by his parents and brothers Waldemar, Kenneth, Arden and Marlyn.

Martin is survived by, and will be greatly missed by, his son Dean (Kris) of Green Bay and Gresham, his daughter Renae (Russell) Fenske of Markesan, his granddaughter Elizabeth (Phil) Kirst-Goes of Shawano, his granddaughter Lacey (Chris) Bruce of Markesan and his grandson Matthew (Kelsey) Fenske of Denmark, Wisconsin.  His great-grandchildren, Huck and Hugo Goes, Braydon and Lucas Bruce and Quinn and Kinsley Fenske, will also miss him dearly along with the ice cream sandwiches they ate at his apartment.  Martin is also survived by his sister, Avis Kirst Lindamen of Ripon, his sister-in-law Laural Guderski Kirst of Fremont and nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would like to thank the outstanding and dedicated staff of North Terrace at the Markesan Resident Home.  They would also like to thank the supportive and comforting staff at SSM Hospice Care, and Pastor Michael Plagenz for his regular visits to Martin.

Because of the continued increase in Covid infections and low percentage of vaccinations in Green Lake County, funeral services for Martin will be private.  Interment will be in the Markesan Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to direct memorials to the Markesan Resident Home-North Terrace, SSM Hospice or St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 181 S. Main St., Markesan, is honored to be serving the family.