Marty Chandler

If Martha "Marty" Chandler's life were a book, her last chapter was written on March 30, 2014, after a long battle with cancer. Her first chapter began in Wiota when her parents, Clifford and Muriel (Wendt) Carpenter, welcomed her on April 26, 1939. She attended Van Matre School in Wiota, graduated from Darlington High School in 1957 and later UW Whitewater with a degree in education. Her first year of teaching was in Beloit and after marrying Carl Chandler on June 22, 1963. Marty taught various grades and subject areas in Blanchardville from Phy. Ed. to English. The next chapters included a variety of jobs in Blanchardville where she helped run the family insurance business, was a municipal judge, and sold real estate for many years. Other chapters would have been about her memberships in several community organizations in town such as The United Methodist Church, Jaycettes, Blanchardville Community Pride, Village Board, Historical Society, and Women's Club. Another chapter would describe her years with the Lafayette County Improvement/Development and the Wis. State Board of Realtors. One of the bigger chapters would be filled with hobbies and interests. Marty loved to hit garage sales, shop with coupons, travel, watch movies, read books, plan outings with the Red Hat Hatters along with her many treasured friends, and was a sports lover particularly the Packers, Badgers, Dallas Cowboys, and #1 Pecatonica Vikings fan.

Most likely the longest chapter would be much like Marty--devoted her family. She is survived by two children, Chuck (Jodi) Chandler of Blanchardville and Cheralee "Cher" (Larry) Schliem of Blanchardville; five grandchildren Cayla (Nick) Allen, Kimberlee Chandler, Brooks Chandler, Jennah Schliem, and Drew Schliem; and one very special great granddaughter, Avery Allen; two sisters, Marilyn Elver and Joyce (Jerry) Tvedt, and two brothers, Jerry (Marilyn) Carpenter and David (Audrey) Carpenter; many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law Joe Elver. In her final chapter, Marty will no doubt have the best seat in the house, never missing another game.

A celebration of Marty's life will be held on Wednesday, April 16th from 5-8 pm at the Blanchardville American Legion Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Marty Chandler Scholarship Fund would be appreciated. The Saether Funeral Home of Blanchardville is assisting the family.