Gladys Lucille (née Wichlacz) Martin, 85, of Marshfield, Wis., passed away peacefully on Aug. 30, 2021. She lived her entire life in Wisconsin. She was born Nov. 28, 1935, in Poniatowski, to Anton and Lucille Wichlacz, and grew up in Athens. She married John "Jack" Martin Oct. 2, 1956 and moved to the family farm in Halder. Gladys dedicated her life to lifting people up, whether through music, teaching or volunteering. She was a domestic engineer, farmer, musician, teacher, community leader and volunteer, and her husband Jack's best gal. A little known fact is that Gladys served as the first-ever Athens Fair Queen in 1950. Music ministry was Gladys' calling, whether playing, singing or teaching. She was a talented keyboardist and choir director at St. Patrick's Church in Halder for nearly four decades. She led music programs for masses, holidays, weddings and funerals. She also played the accordion, often regaling her family with polka music on Sunday afternoons. Her musical interests spanned from liturgical to 50s rock-and-roll, Whoopee John and Bob Dylan. Gladys and Jack ran Honey Bee Dairy in Halder for 37 years. She taught her kids how to run a successful household and farm, including making maple syrup, raising chickens and growing vegetables, fruits and flowers, cooking, baking and sewing. Despite a busy life farming and raising eight children, Gladys found time to volunteer in her community. She was known for her organizational and planning skills, teaching and coordinating religious education programs at St. Patrick's Church for 23 years. She held leadership roles with the Parish Council of Catholic Women and Parish Pastoral Council, was an active member of the Emmet Chums Homemakers and a coordinator for the Circle of Joy, which helps families in need. After retiring from farming, Gladys worked as a healthcare provider for Friendship Manor in Marshfield, and continued music ministry at St. Michael's in Hewitt, and Spiritual Services at St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield. She also volunteered at St. Vincent De Paul in Marshfield and sang with the Heart O' Wisconsin Chapter of Sweet Adelines. Gladys found joy in activities that involved family, food and adventure. That included lunch dates and picnics, Sunday dinners with family, travel and adventures with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, trips to the zoo, walks in nature and at the beach, reading, and time in Door County helping with the strawberry season. Gladys is survived by eight children, Anthony (Jill) of Marshfield; Francis (Vickie) of Marathon; Thomas (Jackie) of Halder; Mary (Kim) Hilliker of Brussels; Paul (Doreen) of Stratford; Bernard (Rita) of Stratford; Catherine (Mike) Lea of Augusta; and Bernice (Matt) Thill, of Minneapolis, Minn. She leaves behind 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She also is survived by three brothers and sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, her parents, brother Eugene and his wife Shirley, brother Larry, and numerous in-laws. Visitation is open to all who wish to celebrate Gladys' life on Saturday, Sept. 4, from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 136058 Halder Drive, Mosinee, WI 54455. A Celebration of Life and luncheon will take place the same day at 1 p.m. at the Halder Community Pavilion, 135159 Halder Drive. There will be a mass of Christian burial for family only at 11 a.m. The family will join festivities after the mass and burial. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of Gladys' favorite volunteer spots, St. Vincent De Paul Outreach. Checks may be sent to St. Vincent De Paul Outreach, 149 North Central Avenue, Marshfield, WI 54449. Please include in memory of Gladys Martin in the memo portion of the check. Online donations also can be made by clicking the Outreach/Food Pantry Donation button at the bottom of this page. Cards for the family can be sent to Andy Martin, 203403 Galvin Ave, Marshfield, WI 54449.