Martin R. Dable

Martin R. Dable, longtime Waukesha funeral director died on Thursday, September 19, 2019 surrounded by his family at AngelsGrace Hospice at age 83. He was born in Waukesha on June 7, 1936 the son of the late Clarence Russell and Anna Catherine (nee Schipp) Dable. Martin attended Duplainville Elementary School, a one room schoolhouse, before attending Catholic Memorial High School and graduating from Waukesha High School. He then studied at MATC before attending the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science. Martin proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1955 until 1959. Martin was a dedicated funeral director working for Borgwardt Funeral Home, Molthen Bell Funeral Home and John J. Walloch Funeral Home. In 1972, Martin became co-owner and partner with William Randle, and they purchased the former Hansen Funeral Home property on Grand Avenue in Waukesha, establishing Randle-Dable Funeral Home. He remained a proud and compassionate funeral director, honored to hold his license to this day. Following retirement, he maintained a presence at the funeral home with his calm demeanor, infectious smile and firm handshake. He also remained on the Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home Board of Directors.

Martin was passionate about flying and instilled in his daughters and grandchildren the same love for flying. For many years, he flew his own Beechcraft Sierra, was a member of the EAA Chapter 11 and AOPA. Martin was also a proud member of the Flying Funeral Directors of America where he had served as president.

Devoted to his community, Martin was a member of the Waukesha Lions Club for which he served as a certified eye enucleator, serving the Wisconsin Lions Eye Bank for many years. He received the highest honor in Lionism being named a Melvin Jones Fellow, received the Burch-Sturm Fellowship and was conferred life membership. Martin was a 30-year member of the Waukesha Elks Lodge #400, the 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, the American Legion DJ Martin Post #8 and St. William Catholic Church. He was also active at Ten Chimneys where he was part of the first docent class, volunteering as a docent for 10 years. Ten Chimneys held a special place in Martin’s heart as he had been the Lunt’s paperboy for a time.

Martin enjoyed motorcycling and motorsports as a hobby and was active in the Kettle Moraine HOG Chapter. He was a member of the Family Motor Coach Association and he enjoyed traveling with the Greater Midwest Classic Club in the family’s refurbished 1977 GMC Motorhome. Along with his wife, Shirley, they also enjoyed traveling the world together. Martin was very innovative and a Mr. Fix-it. If something needed to be fixed, he always helped find a creative solution.

Most of all, Martin took great pride in his family. He cherished his wife, daughters and grandchildren and will be forever missed.

Beloved husband and best friend to his wife of 59 years, Shirley (nee Edwards) of Waukesha; Loving father of Laura A. Dable (Gary Cox) of Waukesha, Jennifer (James) Rankin of Whitefish Bay and Melissa Mrozinski of Milwaukee; Proud grandfather of Nathan and Margaret Rankin and Zofia Mrozinski and treasured brother of Vincent Dable of town of Genesee. Martin is further survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and numerous friends.


Heartfelt appreciation is extended to AngelsGrace Hospice for their kindness and compassionate care provided to Martin and their family during this difficult and sad time.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 23, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Avenue, Waukesha. At 7:00 p.m. an Elks Lodge of Sorrow and parish vigil service will be held at the funeral home. Services continue Tuesday, September 24th with prayers at the funeral home at 9:15 a.m. followed by a procession to St. William Catholic Church, 440 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, WI 53188 for the 10:00 a.m. funeral Mass. Father Patrick Heppe will preside. Graveside services with full military honors will follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery. Memorials in Martin’s name are appreciated to the Waukesha Elks Lodge #400, 2301 Springdale Rd, Waukesha, WI 53186, the Waukesha Lions Club, P.O. Box 1004, Waukesha, WI 53187, to St. William Catholic Church, or AngelsGrace Hospice, N74 W35908 Servants’ Way, Oconomowoc, WI 53066.