Obituary
Marty Maus
Marty (Martin) Maus, 58, of Onalaska passed away unexpectedly on October 30, 2020.
Marty was born April 15, 1962 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He attended Green Bay East High and graduated in 1980. He went on to attend UW-Madison, graduating in 1985. Later in life in 2017, Marty completed his Master’s Degree through St. Mary’s University.
Marty taught at Hamilton Elementary in La Crosse from 1985-1993. He then taught at Summit Environmental School in French Island from 1993-2020. He was a member of the Summit Environmental Steering Committee, and volunteered many hours in the garden, frog pond, and other outdoor areas. He also helped create an overnight camping experience for the 5th graders of Summit Environmental. He recently retired in June of 2020.
Marty enjoyed time spent outdoors and enjoyed biking, hiking, and playing tennis. He enjoyed spending time woodworking, working in the yard, and took pride in his house.
Marty was the best kind of friend a person could have. He was a serene and thoughtful person, and a true hippie at heart.
Marty is survived by his sister, three brothers, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to Summit Environmental School.
Marty was a great colleague and friend at Summit Environmental School. He volunteered so much time to the betterment of our environment and he unfailingly brought that message to all of his students and fellow staff. Many mornings he arrived on the school grounds well before others, finding the proper hoses and tools to accomplish the huge task of watering in and around our School Garden (he was engaged in additional tasks even when our new
inground plumbing was installed!)
His model for having a true “teachers heart” –quiet humility, integrity, energy, compassion for others and making a healthy environment for future generations to enjoy– will live on through ALL of us in the LaCrosse School District community.
Yet we will feel Marty’s spirit here and most deeply rooted, in the green spaces, outdoor classrooms and hallways of Summit Environmental School.
Marty was so kind, inclusive and talkative. He took time to chat and was always willing to step up and help out- a team player. He cared about everyone and put his heart into those relationships with kids and adults. He was also fun to talk to about recipes- foodie to foodie. Even though I was just a sub at his school, he’d let me know I was welcome at social events and always checked in. One of my favorite guys to chat with- he will be missed.
I taught for many years with Marty at Summit. Summit’s Environmental Garden and pond were important to him. I am so sad that he didn’t get to enjoy his retirement longer. He was a gentle man in every sense.
Marty was a co-worker of mine when I taught at Summit. After I retired I often subbed in Marty’s room and loved putting up bulletin boards in his classroom. He was fun, energetic and always willing to help with whatever project we happened to be working on. I remember donating tulip bulbs for “Marty’s Garden” at Summit and I know he planted them all…this next spring when I drive by that garden I will remember you Marty…rest in peace.