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Delano “Laney” Joe Marty
Delano “Laney” Joe Marty

Delano “Laney” Joe Marty, age 81 of South Wayne, died Monday, October 5, 2020 at Agrace Hospice Care in Fitchburg. He was born on April 26, 1939 in Monroe, the son of Joseph and Evelyn (Babler) Marty. He attended South Wayne High School. Laney married Joann Peterson on November 4, 1957 in South Wayne. They shared almost 63 years together.

He worked for his father at the Mayor Cheese Factory until 1970 when Marty’s Village Inn opened for business. Laney operated the “VI” and developed a lot of lifelong friendships through its patrons. He had a compassionate, kind, and generous heart. He donated to the local schools, sports, organizations and would always give a handout to those he considered less fortunate. He had a calm demeanor which came in handy when forced to (unexpectedly) deliver his first grandchild in his home in 1984.

Laney enjoyed watching sports, especially football, baseball, and high school basketball. Before his stroke in 2017, he loved to take long roadtrips and travel the countryside. One of his biggest passions in life was horse racing. He loved to read about them, watch them on tv, and spend time at the track.

He is survived by his wife, Joann of South Wayne; 6 children: Cammy Meier, Cary Marty, Lonny Marty, Jimmy (Joni) Marty, and Jaqui (Dan) Haldiman all of South Wayne, and Delana (Chad) Romenesko of Wrightstown; 11 grandchildren: Terra (Barry) Junk, Kyle (Chelsea) Stauffacher, Mitchell Marty, Michael (Janel) Marty; Reid, Ella, and Bryn Romenesko; Kaylee and Lane Marty; Dylan and Brett Haldiman; 9 great-grandchildren; a brother, Ronald (Deb)Marty of Brodhead; plus many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three daughters: Tamra, Dawn, and Candy; son-in-law, Duane Meier; daughter-in-law, Robin Marty; granddaughter, Carly Haldiman; grandson, Zachary Haldiman; and great-granddaughter Kandace Junk; his parents-in-law, Alfred and Lucille Peterson; two sisters: Marlys (Gale)Peterson and Nola (Gary) Stark; nephew, Steve Stark.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 9, 2020 at Martintown Church, with Pastor Kevin Cernek officiating. Burial will be in Union cemetery in South Wayne. A visitation will be held Thursday evening from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at SHRINER HAGER GOHLKE Funeral Home.

The family would like to give special thanks to St. Mary’s Hospital and Agrace Hospice for all of their special care and concern.