Marty Reynolds

Obituary:

Martin (“Marty”) L. Reynolds, age 76, of Ladysmith, passed away peacefully at home during a nap on March 12, 2026, due to heart failure. Marty was born on February 8, 1950, to Dennis and Christine (Gregor) Reynolds. He graduated from Flambeau High School and went on to serve six years in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War in military intelligence, with assignments in Italy, Korea, and Alaska. After returning to Ladysmith, Marty became a master plumber and founded his own business, Northern Plumbing and Heating. He was deeply committed to public service, serving three terms on the Ladysmith City Council, multiple terms as Mayor, and 12 years in the Wisconsin State Legislature (87th District). Through the years, he was an active member of the VFW, American Legion, Freemasons, NRA, and Jaycees.

Marty played a key role in local economic development, chairing negotiations with Kennecott Mining and working with the Ladysmith Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). He helped facilitate projects with Marshfield Health System, Henry Rifle, Rockwell Automation, and Westlake, bringing and retaining jobs in the area. As a legislator, he chaired the Rural Affairs and Small Business Committees and served on Governor Thompson’s Council on Tourism. In 2002, he ran for Lieutenant Governor on the Libertarian ticket with Ed Thompson, earning 11% of the vote. Marty believed strongly in community involvement and problem-solving. He loved Northern Wisconsin—especially Rusk County—and devoted much of his life to making it a better place to live.

One of his proudest projects was acquiring and renovating the 1907 Carnegie Library in Ladysmith, which was vacated when a new library was built. Completely tearing out the inside, he redesigned the layout and completed all the plumbing himself. With the help of skilled local carpenters, the building was transformed into Carnegie Hall Bed and Breakfast, maintaining a library ambiance. With over 3000 books, Carnegie Hall welcomed guests from across the United States. Marty believed strongly in the preservation or repurposing of old buildings.

He had many interests, including traveling, music, reading, cooking, and motorcycles. He especially favored Indian motorcycles. Marty was rarely without a book—often keeping several in different rooms and vehicles so one was always within reach. He was known for his ability to fix just about anything and he was always willing to help a neighbor, friend, or stranger.

Marty married Barbara Root in 1972, and they had two children, Nikki and Aaron. They later separated. In 1983, he married Patricia Lyons and welcomed her children, Jim and Debbie, into the family. Marty cherished his blended family, which grew to include 15 grandchildren and one great-grandson. The loss of his first granddaughter, Alex, was a profound sorrow. Marty faithfully cared for her burial site in every season, surrounding it with flowers and angels. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his children Aaron (Amy) Reynolds, Nicole (Tony) Swanson, Jim (Rachel) Lyons, and Debbie (Dan) Davis; his siblings Tom (Theresa) Reynolds, Terre Nelson, Dan Reynolds, Debbie (Bruce Koske) Gregor, and Tim (Sandy) Chaussee; and the mother of his children, Barb Root. He is also survived by his grandchildren Stella, Olive, Archer, Thomas, Wyatt, Cayden, Jake (Desi), Jefferson, Oliver, Hazel, Vincent, Maggie, Madelyn, and Allyson; his great-grandchild Jackson; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Christine Reynolds; his stepmother, Doris Rae (Chausse) Reynolds, who helped raise him; his brother Ken Chausse; his brother-in-law Tom Nelson; and his granddaughter Alex Swanson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 11, at Mickey’s on the Flambeau (Tee-A-Way), with visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., a service at 1:00 p.m., and lunch to follow. Private inurnment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Sheldon, Wisconsin. All are invited to share their memories—Marty touched many lives, and he will be deeply missed. Plombon Funeral Service of Stanley, Wisconsin, is assisting with arrangements.