William Martin

William J. Martin, age 66 of Brookfield. Beloved husband of Lynette, nee Kraft, loving father of Ryan (Katie) Martin, Erin Martin Hogan and Neil Martin, cherished grandfather of Lilly Martin, Bella Gourley, Sophie Gourley, Max Gourley, Addy Martin, Vivia Martin, Brynn Hogan, Lyle Hogan and Blake Cole, dear brother of Mary Martin Gross, Edward (Kathy) Martin Jr., James (Lisa) Martin, Ricky Martin, Michael Martin, Sheila Martin and Patti (Tim) Cerven, fond uncle to many nieces and nephews.

The Memorial Mass will be Live-Streamed on Neil's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1146001696

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Bill Martin Memorial Fund to benefit St. Mary Basketball would be appreciated.  Please make your check payable to:  St. Mary Sports Club and note Bill Martin Memorial Fund in the memo.  Checks can be mailed to: Bill Martin Memorial Fund c/o Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home 3847 Prairie Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513.

Bill Martin had a way with kids. As a coach, a father, a grandfather, and a mentor, he loved helping young people find confidence, courage, integrity, strength, and skill. He began coaching basketball in 1994, finding his way to the St. Mary’s Boys’ Basketball program in 2007. During the 12 years that he coached for to St. Mary’s, he not only helped many kids find the joy in basketball, but he also helped them find their way in life.

Many families don’t have the resources to participate in basketball. Bill would want any child who can benefit to be able to play. Therefore, we have created a fund in his honor that will defray fees for Basketball for families in need at St. Mary’s. The funds may also be used to provide practice equipment for kids who cannot afford it. Please consider giving what you can to honor Bill and provide some children the opportunity they otherwise wouldn’t have.

The funds will be managed by the St. Mary’s Sports Club. As an example of how your contribution will help, it costs $200 per year to play boys’ basketball at St. Mary’s. Any unused funds will bear interest so that additional funding will be available the following years.