Richards "Coach" Harold Martin, age 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 6, 2015 , after a brief battle with lung cancer. Dick was born in Dodgeville, WI on March 16, 1938 to Richards and Ermadine (Reinke) Martin. He was a graduate of Mineral Point High School, Class of 1955, and UW Platteville in 1960.

On December 23, 1961 he married the love of his life, Janis Schlaver. He then began his journey of teaching English, along with coaching football and basketball, in the communities of Sparta, Blanchardville, New Lisbon, Waunakee and Sauk Prairie, retiring in 1981. At that time he opened Coach's Place in Prairie du Sac. Coach also invested time with greyhounds, owning a kennel at the Wisconsin Dells Dog Track. He was a smiling face, counselor and sponsor to many, until he sold the business in 2001. It was then that he became even more of an inspiration and advocate to many. Coach was instantly adored by all who he touched and will be greatly missed.


He is proudly survived by his 2 sons, David (Jennifer) of Prairie du Sac, Greg (Jodi) of Baraboo; grandchildren Mariah "Bear" (Anthony) Stafford, Tyler "Buford" (Krystal Carlson) , Alesha "Ditzy", Marshall "Odie" , Garrison "Kermit" and JoElla "Daisy May", Jennifer Meixelsperger, John Meixelsperger; 1 great granddaughter, Shelby Jay "Tweetie Bird".


He was preceded in death by his wife Janis; parents; brothers, Thayne, Bob, Mike and Tim; his father in law, Louis; and an infant son Ricky.


A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2015 at Hooverson Funeral Home, Sauk City. Following the visitation a Celebration of Life will continue at the Prairie du Sac V.F.W.