Former Editor of PAST, Martin “Marty” C. Perkins, Dies
Martin “Marty” Charles Perkins, a lifelong resident of Mukwonago, Wisconsin, passed away on November 3, 2012, at the age of 61. He was born on January 23, 1951, the cherished son of Robert Charles and Carolyn Virginia Perkins.
Marty graduated from Mukwonago High School in 1969. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in American History from Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and as an undergraduate, was a student of Charlie Calkins, a past Executive Director of PAS: APAL. Later, Marty received a Master of Arts degree in Urban Affairs from the University of Wisconsin, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
On August 5, 1978, Marty married Suzanne Lee Goad in the Perkins’ family backyard.
Marty’s entire career was invested at Old World Wisconsin in Eagle, Wisconsin. After graduation from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marty began working at Old World Wisconsin as a Restoration Specialist. Over the years, he worked as a Research Analyst and the Chief of the Research Section until he finally became the Curator of Research, a position which he held until his untimely passing. At the same time, Marty joined the Pioneer America Society: Association for the Preservation of Artifacts & Landscapes and became a very active member of the Society for nearly two decades. During that time, he presented a number of professional papers at the Society’s annual meetings, penned several book reviews for Material Culture, and composed a variety of articles for PAST (Pioneer America Society Transactions). His favorite topics included museum exhibits, barns, cobblestone structures, and the restoration of historic buildings. In addition, from 1989 to 1992, Marty served as the assistant to the editor of PAST In 1991, he co-chaired the Society’s annual meeting with Charlie Calkins in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and treated conference goers to a day-long tour of Old World Wisconsin. In 1992, he assumed the editorship of PASTand served in that capacity for 13 years until his resignation in 2005. In the Fall of 2005, the Society named Marty as its annual Henry H. Douglas Distinguished Service Award recipient.
Marty is survived by his mother, Carolyn Perkins, who still lives in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, and by his cherished wife, and best friend of 34 years, Suzanne Perkins. He was the proud and inspiring father of Lindsay Ann (Luke) Spielman, Robert Charles (fiancée Natalie Schnick), and Scott Martin. He was the loving brother of Linda (Dr. Thomas) Schmidt, dear uncle of Amy Rosenberg and Alison Schmidt, and treasured son-in-law of Irene Goad. He is further survived by many loving relatives and friends.
His timeless connection to Mukwonago was a source of pride. Marty was active in his community and church. He was a 2005 inductee into the Mukwonago High School Hall of Fame.
His family welcomed friends to the First Congregational Church of Mukwonago on Thursday, November 8, from 4:00 PM until 6:45 PM with his Funeral Services beginning at 7:00 PM. Interment was on Friday at 10:00 AM at Oak Knoll Cemetery, Mukwonago, WI.
Memorials can be made to the Marty Perkins Fund at Old World Wisconsin, P.O. Box 69, Eagle, WI 53119, or to the First Congregational Church of Mukwonago, 231 Roberts Drive, Mukwonago, WI 53149.
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http://www.schmidtandbartelt.com/obituaries/detail.aspx?id=5929