Daniel R. Martens (Danny or Dan to his friends and family), 69, died at home Thursday, October 5, 2017. He worked as a semi-driver for the United States Postal Service but his greatest enjoyment was motorcycling, boating and being a proud and loving father to his daughter Ashley and doting grandfather (Pops) to his first and only grandson, Parker. Danny joined the Army in 1967 and even though it was the Vietnam War years, he spent most of his time in Germany defending the Russian border. His years in the service gave him a strong belief in the United States as a nation and supporter of the American Flag. At each of his houses he proudly flew the American flag, even building a large flagpole at his house in Grafton that reached over 10 feet tall. His love of boating took him to many different bodies of water throughout Wisconsin but his favorite was boating on Lake Michigan. He loved the lake no matter how high the waves were. Being out in his boat always brought a smile on his face. He loved to share boating with family and friends and when his daughter was born, her first boat ride was at the age of 4 weeks. Though the life vest was a little large, she enjoyed every minute of it. So, from that day forward she was his boating and fishing buddy. Other loves of his were motorcycling and spending time with friends, especially his lifelong friend, Ed Chow. Growing up with Ed, led to many adventures and memories that will be passed on for years. Often referred to as the twins, as most often they were found doing things together. As they grew up and started to raise their families, the Martens and the Chow children grew to carry on that strong bond that started with Danny and Ed in 3rd grade. In 2007, Danny was diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) that caused his family to move from Grafton to Fredonia, where he found great neighbors that helped to make his life even fuller. He loved the outdoors, especially summer. He was often found out in the driveway, along with his dog Tallie, in his wheelchair enjoying the sunshine and the many people that waved or even stopped to share some time with him. Shortly, after he moved into his house in Fredonia, he retired from the US Postal Service and began to adjust to his life with IBM. As he could no longer boat or drive a motorcycle, he began researching and learned a new skill, beer making. He had got good at perfecting different types and discovered he not only enjoyed making and drinking the beer, he found that he was pretty good at it. He liked nothing better than sharing a beer with friends and getting their opinions on which ones he should brew again. Even though his disease was progressing and limiting him, he suffered a heart attack that took him way too quickly from his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Linda, daughter, Ashley (Matt) Moldenhauer of Port Washington and grandson, Parker. Danny is further survived by his brother Dave Martens of Blairsville, GA and his best friend Ed Chow and family of Hartford. There will be a Celebration of Life held at the Schooner Pub, upstairs lake room, 114 N. Franklin St. Port Washington on Thursday, October 12 from 3:30 to 6:30. There will be a short Memorial Service at 5:30 followed by Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials in Danny's name to the Myositis Association. http://www.ibmfoundation.org/index.php/donate. Danny's family would like to thank all of his caregivers from BrightStar Care, especially Faye and Susan for their loving care and support.