Brandon Martin

Brandon G. Martin, age 42, of rural Hazel Green, WI, formerly of Shullsburg, WI, passed away Monday, January 13, 2025, at St. Dominic Villa in rural Hazel Green surrounded by family and friends. He was born February 4,1982, in Dodgeville, WI, the son of Gregory Martin and Colleen Connolly. Brandon grew up in the Shullsburg area and graduated from Shullsburg High School in 2000. He began farming full time with his dad after high school. In 2011, after the death of his father, Brandon and Nick Hilby began farming together. Farming was not just a job for Brandon, but a way of life, he knew everything about his cattle - from their pedigree to their individual names. Brandon always said how much of a privilege it was to own the Temperly Farms outside of Hazel Green; he dedicated his entire life to farming and was so proud of his accomplishments. Brandon is survived by his brother: Kiel (Kristi) Martin of rural Shullsburg; his nieces and nephews that he absolutely adored: Lane, Claire, Tatum, and Violet Martin, his aunts and uncles: Kim (Jim) Francis of rural Warren, IL, Joe (Annie) Martin of rural Darlington, Lauri (Dick) Teutschmann of rural Gratiot, Christine (Bob) Knautz of rural Shullsburg, Tom (Emily) Martin of Darlington, and Kay (John) Paulson of Nekoosa, WI; his maternal Grandmother: Arlene Connolly of Darlington, WI and many cousins. He is further survived by his farm family: Nick (Amanda) Hilby, Pyzer Pearce, Willy Houtakker and family, Matt Hartung, Jeremy Wienen and countless others that were near and dear to his heart. He was preceded in death by father: Greg Martin in 2011; his paternal grandparents: Thomas and Helen Martin; and his maternal grandfather: Joe Connolly. Brandon was known for his infectious, positive personality. His motto's, "Don't take life so seriously—enjoy it"; "it goes quicker than you think" was a testament to the way he approached every day. His willingness to give anyone a chance was what he was known for by his family and friends. Whether offering a helping hand or a listening ear, Brandon's readiness to do anything for anyone was the true measure of his compassion. Family was the most important thing in Brandon's world. Brandon's childhood was strongly impacted by his Grandma Martin and three loving aunts. Brandon was the glue of the family and loved spending time with his loved ones. Particularly cherishing moments with his nieces, nephews and Emma and Levi Hilby whose lives he undeniably shared laughter and wisdom. Brandon had a passion for collecting IH tractors, a hobby that kept the history and mechanics of farming alive in his hands. Each year, the turning of cattle to pasture in spring was an event that brought him great satisfaction and became one of his favorite times of the year. A man of simple pleasures, Brandon found joy in a good meal and company at Louisburg Junction, mule rides around the farms, and enjoying a cold beer with anyone who was willing to have, "just one more". A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 12:00 P.M. at St. Matthew's Catholic Church (344 N. Judgement St, Shullsburg) with Fr. Chris Gernetzke officiating. A visitation will be held Monday, January 20, 2025, from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Erickson Funeral Home (235 N. Judgement St, Shullsburg), and on Tuesday from 11:00 A.M. until 11:45 A.M. at St. Matthew's Catholic Church. Burial will be at St. Matthew's Cemetery in Shullsburg at a later date followed with a celebration of life at the farm. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Brandon's name. A special thank you to UW Madison Hospitals, Southwest Health, St. Dominic Villa, St. Croix Hospice, Hazel Green Rescue Squad, Jenny Rutherford, friends, neighbors and many others who provided and offered care to Brandon.