As a Pioneer America Society member, I first became acquainted w. Marty in 1980 when he worked w. Charlie Calkins hosting the meeting in Green Bay. Over the years, I worked w. Marty on some projects. He was wonderful: dedicated, bright, kind, & a great sense of humor. Hope to see him in the great beyond.
keith a. sculle
sherman, IL
Posted: 11/17/2012
I give my sympathies to Marty's family. When I learned of Marty's death I became very saddened. The first time I met him at 12 years old I was struck by how accepting and nice he was. I looked up to him through high school as he helped me in sports. About 2 weeks ago I remembered a time at football practice when we came eye to eye. He plowed through me, over me, then trotted back to tell me he was afraid I would stop him and it was just by luck he got by, through, over me. I mention this story because it was a recent memory and to show how humble, mature, and encouraging he was toward other in his teen years. Looking back now I realize how extraordinary this is and that I very much looked up to him. I'm sorry I didn't see much of him as an adult but when I did, I got those same feelings, that he was a genuinely nice "good-man" person. As I get older I begin to realize the effect certain people have upon us. I was greatly saddened reading about Marty because it made me realize that he was one of those influential people in my life and while I know his death brings a great loss, I figure he must have left many endearing memories. I'm sorry I could not be there to celebrate his life with family and friends.
With great sadness,
David Pakenham
David Pakenham
Waukesha, WI
Posted: 11/15/2012
How sad to hear this news. Sue,it was my great joy to be at that backyard wedding in August, 1978 -- and to tie a good knot. My heart goes out to you and the family and my prayers are with you.
Deborah Block
Milwaukee, WI
Posted: 11/13/2012
Like so many, we too were saddened to hear of Marty's passing and yet so happy to have known him. He left a legacy at Old World...well done, Marty.
Ron and Pat Nelson
Phoenix, AZ
Posted: 11/13/2012
I would like to offer my deepest sympathy for the Perkins family. I started working at OWW in April and Marty was one, if not the most appreciative person I,ve ever met. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Frank Michalski
Elkhorn, WI
Posted: 11/8/2012
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Patti Babe-Meerschaert (OWW)
Patti Babe-Meerschaert
East Troy, WI
Posted: 11/8/2012
With incredible sadness, Dee and I extend our deepest sympathies to Sue and her family. Our hearts go out to them. We deeply admired and respected Marty who was a great friend and a colleague. He was a truly decent person who never missed an opportunity to help others. Marty will be sorely missed.
John & Dee Krugler
Menomonee Falls, WI
Posted: 11/8/2012
Dear Perkins family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Marty was a great support to all of us at Mukwonago High School. He was a great role model for all parents on how to support their kids and the school programs. Rob and Scott, it was a pleasure coaching you in football and being able to see you grow into fine young men. Your parents should be proud. It was a pleasure knowing your dad and I am sure he will be deeply missed. He was a great one! Your family will be in my family's thoughts and prayers. Because of your parents, you will always be a part of the Mukwonago family. Peace.
Ron Schlicht
Mukwonago, WI
Posted: 11/8/2012
Sue, we are so very sorry for your loss...our hearts and prayers are with you. Love Dean, Kelly, and boys
Kovnesky Family
Mukwonago, WI
Posted: 11/8/2012
Marty will always be remember for his wonderful work on the Kruza House
Joe & Dee Leonard
Naples, , FL
Posted: 11/7/2012
I wish to extend my condolences to the Perkins Family, and to the Mukwonago and Old World Wisconsin communities. I wanted to share a memory of Marty. I worked summers as an interpreter at Old World in the early 80’s. I would visit with Marty occasionally in his research office, and he was always willing to share and answer questions to satisfy my curiosity. Generously, Marty invited me to go with him to look at buildings. On my day off, we spent the day driving about looking at buildings he was considering or had considered. He identified places where buildings were located but now were gone. We walked around and through the newly acquired Sanford-Duerst House on its original site and talked of the possibilities. We also did a windshield survey of other places I think including what would become the General Store in the village (I remember not being able to see much of an overgrown building set back from the busy road). I appreciated Marty’s genuine respect for others in his soft spoken way.
Daniel Butt
Elmwood, WI
Posted: 11/6/2012
For Bob (JPD officer), Bob we chaplains express our sorrow at your dad's passing and pray that you and your family will be comforted with the words of our Savior who said, "Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will refresh you."
Chaplain Bob Lebron
Janesville, WI
Posted: 11/6/2012
I have known Marty since the early 1980s. He and I were friends and colleagues in museum organizations, even conference co-chairs and roommates, before I became director of Old World in 1992. He was one of the main reasons I wanted to work at Old World. I knew that Marty's research was thorough and well documented. Marty was the best of the best. First of all, he was a kind, caring, and gentle person who loved his family and always talked with pride about them. He gave time to his community, helping people understand why it was such a special place for him and for them. I can't conceive of Old World Wisconsin without Marty. He was there when it was built, and he had a major hand in the research that helped it come to life when it opened and as it developed. Marty was special to those who worked for him and with him. He stayed above the fray at work when things got difficult and contentious. He could always remain positive. He exuded dignity and honor in all that he did. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to you, Sue, and to your family. No one could replace Marty, but his memory will live on in those who knew him, and through our memories, he will always be with us all. May we all meet again in a better place.
Tom Woods
Honolulu, HI
Posted: 11/6/2012
My deepest sympathy to Marty's family. Like so many others, I came to know Marty through Old World Wisconsin at the start of my museum career. His dedication, knowledge, and enthusiasm for connecting people through history continues to be an inspiration. His big heart and sincere interest in people will be greatly missed.
Debbie Krueger Grinnell
Aurora, IL
Posted: 11/6/2012
I was shocked to read of Marty's passing as I saw him only a few weeks ago at Old World. I had the pleasure of serving with Marty on the County Historical Society Board many years ago and was always impressed with his personality and his knowledge of and commitment to the history of the area. A huge loss to Waukesha County and the state of Wisconsin.
Howard Pringle
Waukesha, WI
Posted: 11/6/2012
I will never forget his love of historical base ball. Whenever you met Marty, whether you knew him or this was your first time, he always made you feel like you were talking to a long lost friend. You could tell he was very passionate about his job.
If you ever needed any question answered about Old World, he would be more than delighted to tell you. There is not a single building out there that does not have his fingerprint embedded into it. He touched many lives of people past, present, and future to come. We will all miss you. May the love of God comfort and care for his family always.
Becky Bross
Elkhorn, WI
Posted: 11/6/2012
I only met Marty a couple times, but know he was a valued historian that the museum world will greatly miss!! They don't make 'em like that any more!! I am SO sorry for the family and friend's personal loss too!! May you each feel his spirit in the many people and things he touched when he was here, and share wonderful memories, and feel God's love through it all!!
Becky Crabb
Lowell, IN
Posted: 11/5/2012
Marty was such a mentor to me at Old World Wisconsin. He was the one that hired me and always told me I could do great things. He saw me doing great things later in my life, and he was always a great boss and friend. He has touched so many lives and he will truly be missed. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family through this time. May God watch over you and bless you with his comforting hand.
Jamie Wilms
Lakewood, CO
Posted: 11/5/2012
I only worked with Marty for a short term at Old World Wisconsin, however he was always soft spoken and encouraging. This is a great loss to Old World Wisconsin, as well as the community. My thoughts and prayers for the family and close friends of Marty.
Lauren Morrison
Hartland , WI
Posted: 11/5/2012
Our sincere and deepest sympathy. in our prayers.
Ed and Rosanna Heinz
rosanna heinz
waukesha, WI
Posted: 11/5/2012
I had the pleasure of working with Marty for 12 years at Old World Wisconsin, where he was respected and admired as a dedicated leader and historian. Marty left this world a better place, and his legacy remains in the rolling hills of Old World Wisconsin. We also remember Marty for the kind of man he was -- a true gentleman, a loving father, and good friend. We celebrate his life.
Sandi Moomey
Vail, AZ
Posted: 11/5/2012
My deepest and most sincere sympathy at the passing of Marty. Old World is a gem here in Wisconsin and he gave our daughter her start in the museum field. He has left a GREAT legacy!!! We saw him at Midsummer Magic a couple years ago and he told us how he had to hire our daughter, Jamie, because she would not stop asking for a job. He was quite complimentary to her and we, as her parents, appreciated his kind words so very much. We have moved a little far away but still come to OWW at least for Midsummer Magic. It is truly a special place. So many of us have a better understanding of our ancestry as Wisconsin natives because of this awesome place. We thought of him as a gentleman, a rare quality in today's world. Our prayers are with the family and friends who will certainly miss him!!!
Linda Wilms
Saukville, WI
Posted: 11/5/2012
My prayers go out to the family. I am honored to work with Scott who is a true testament of a loving and generous person, like his father. God bless and keep you during this tough time.
Maureen Buechel
Maureen Buechel
New Berlin, WI
Posted: 11/5/2012
Our Deepest sympathies to Sue and Family.
Sincerely,
Karla, Amanda & Rachel
The Fuller Family
Mukwonago, WI
Posted: 11/5/2012
Marty will live on in the historical research, bldgs., and family stories he gave us at Old World Wisconsin - as well as an example of how to live your life - kind, caring, humble service to all. He will be greatly missed by me and many others. Prayers for Sue, family, and friends who mourn this tragic loss.
Charlotte Shirven
Mukwonago, WI
Posted: 11/5/2012
We are so sad. Marty was a special man: kind, talented and generous. He will be missed by all that knew him.
God Bless Sue and family.
love, Steve and Kathy Stach
Kathy & Steve Stach
Eagle, WI
Posted: 11/5/2012
We will forever miss Martys big smile and fast feet when he made his daily walks. Our hearts and thoughts are with you. We know hes up in heaven charming the angels with his cheery conversations and great laughter ;)
Mike.Crystal.Ella.Max.Owen Migazzi
Mukwonago , WI
Posted: 11/5/2012