APPLETON, WI — A former Appleton Common Council member who advocated for handicap rights and accessibility has died. Joe Martin passed away Saturday at a Milwaukee hospital.
Martin, who was confined to a wheelchair following a car crash, served on the common council for 14-years, including serving as council president. He was among the first to use a device on city buses that allow wheelchair bound riders to fasten themselves in without driver assistance.
Anne Meshaw, with St. Joseph’s Parish, tells Action 2 News Martin’s contributions to the community will be his legacy.
“For this community, he was a rock,” Meshaw says. “And I hope people follow in his footsteps and realize what he wanted to do to make Appleton a greater place.”
Funeral services for Joe Martin will be held at St. Joseph’s Parish in Appleton. Final details are still being worked out.
