James “Reggie” Marthaler

James “Reggie” I. Marthaler, age 73, of Beaver Dam, died on Friday, his birthday, December 7, 2018, at Dycora Transitional Care. The visitation will be at First Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam on Friday, December 14, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:50 a.m. The funeral service will follow at the church at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Beaver Dam. James Marthaler was born on December 7, 1945 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin to Charles and Sylvia (Woolery) Marthaler. At the age of 17, Reggie joined the US Air Force and was honorably discharged on May 26, 1967. On February 21, 1989, Reggie and Phyllis Jean Kunkle made their partnership official and married in Las Vegas. They were lucky enough to be life partners for 46 years in all. He worked as a truck driver after the military and his last job was at General Asphalt in Beaver Dam. Reggie retired in 2005 due to health reasons. He enjoyed traveling, playing cards with his friends, and gambling. Reggie is survived by his wife, Phyllis of Beaver Dam; daughter, Kimberly (Dan) Kelliher of Colorado; stepson, Kurt (Tracie) Linck of Janesville; sister, Marylou Navarette of TX; four step-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. He will be missed greatly by his little pup, Brie, who was always by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother; four sisters; and several in-laws. Special thank you to Howie Gibson for the help in playing cards and the company he gave us while doing puzzles and watching the Packers. Also, thank you to the staff and residents at Dycora for making the four year stay seem like a home away from home. At Reggie’s request, instead of flowers please make memorials to the Dodge County Humane Society, First Ev. Lutheran Church, or to a charity of choice.