Family said their final auf weidersehn (until we meet again) to Martin Bisswurm, age 89, on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025. Devoted husband to Erika for almost 55 years before she passed away in 2012. Loving father of Susan (Jim, deceased), Gerald (Paula), and Brian (Kelly). Proud grandfather of Megan, Drew, Geoffrey, and Kyle. Great grandfather to Eleanor. Further survived by family and friends.

Martin was born on Sunday, June 28, 1936, in Gödre, Hungary to Andreas and Magdalena. They had 5 children, Elizabeth (deceased), Martin, Hans (deceased), Andy, and Elizabeth (Lizzie). He was raised on the generational family farm. As a child, he remembered the good times that they had on the farm. Martin was responsible for a variety of animals that he loved and tended to.

Martin’s strong German work ethic was instilled by his parents at an incredibly early age. While Martin’s dad was at war, he and his brother Hans had to help their mother on the farm. After the war they were deported to Oberdorf, Germany. The family was only allowed to take 40 pounds per person, which consisted of food, clothing, and personal effects in wooden boxes. Martin’s dad created a false bottom to hide smoked meats, pickled vegetables, canned fruit, and dried staples that lasted a couple of months.

Food was very scarce in Europe during and after World War 2. Martin recalls fainting due to hunger and having to stand in food lines before school. After World War 2, President Truman appointed Herbert Hoover to head the Famine Emergency Committee to ensure food was delivered to Europe. Martin remembers getting the “Hoover aid.” At school they would get a bowl of soup and once a week Martin remembers getting a sweet roll, hot chocolate, and a small Hershey’s Bar. He would savor that Hershey’s bar all week long.

At age 15, Martin started his apprenticeship as a flour miller and worked 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. On Sundays he attended trade school. The apprenticeship ended at age 18 and he became a journeyman in the milling business working in Germany and Switzerland.

In January of 1957, the entire family emigrated to the United States by boat for a better life. Martin met the love of his life, Erika, in the spring of 1957 at Jefferson Hall, a German cultural and social center. They had a whirlwind romance and married on December 21st, 1957. They were blessed with three children. Martin’s most rewarding role in life was being a family man. He shared his love for the outdoors and summers were spent camping at various state parks, swimming at Brown’s lake and fond memories of going up to Erv Eisenheim’s cottage.

Both Martin and Erika experienced food insecurities while growing up, which left a profound impact on their life together. Food was never wasted at the Bisswurm household and deliciously prepared meals were always an integral part of daily life and social gatherings.

Martin became a proud citizen of the United States on July 26th, 1962. He spent much of his working career at Ryerson Steel and his brother’s business Pre-Con Corporation. He was extremely proud that his kids found meaningful professions too.

Martin had a wonderful sense of humor and a loud booming voice when telling stories. He would share his Hungarian and German history lessons to all who would listen and later in life he was known to sing and quote poems and sayings in German. We will miss his loving presence and the sound of his laughter at our family gatherings.

Funeral service will be held at St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 1615 North Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa, on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Visitation will be at 9:30 AM followed by the service at 10:30 AM. Lunch will follow.

The family thanks the caregivers at VMP RCAC, Clement Manor and Aurora Zilber Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (hunger outreach) are appreciated