Martin, Ernest "Ernie"Ernest J. Martin, 81, of Wausau, passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2017.Ernie was born on November 10, 1935 to the late Theodore and Martha (Danczyk) Martin in Wausau. At the age of nine years old, he met his childhood sweetheart, Frances Barwick. They were married on October 20, 1956 at St. Therese Catholic Church, Rothschild. Together they shared 56 years of marriage until the time of Frances' death in 2013. Ernie spent time doing things for his wife, always putting her first.Ernie was a master woodworker and was proud of it. If you wanted anything made, he would make it for you. Gifts to his family were often specially crafted by his own hands. Along with woodworking, Ernie loved spending time hunting and fishing, including spending time up at the cottage in the U.P. with his wife.Ernie is survived by his two daughters, Cindy (Jim) Akavickas of Wausau, and Linda (Jack) Graap of Rib Mountain; two sisters, Dorothy Iwanski of Milwaukee, and Angeline Schenkel of Chicago; 11 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances; son, Kenneth; three brothers; and three sisters.A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday June 9 at St. Therese Catholic Church, 113 W Kort St., Rothschild, WI. Father Louis Britto will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Entombment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park. Brainard Funeral Home, Wausau Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.comEnjoy your time with Mom and Ken - until we meet againLove you Dad,Cindy and Linda