Local News

Fond Memories of "Wild Bill"

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte man died the same day Jesus was born.  For those who knew him, it was only fitting, perhaps, for William Martensen to go out that way.

 

Martensen, better known as “Wild Bill,” was 66.  The veteran of the U.S Army also loved raising horses. 

 

Bethany Lutheran Church Pastor Dennis Meyer says he got to know Wild Bill when he started showing up for his drive in church services earlier this year.  Meyer says it was obvious his heart was with the Lord judging by how he sometimes danced and shouted words like “amen" during his services and the loving manner in which he engaged with people after the services.

 

His cousin, Judy Harenza also of La Porte, described him as “jolly” who treated even strangers

as a friend.  Harenza said her cousin often walked several miles a day picking up cans and other forms of litter along roadsides and store parking lots.

 

He was recently seen outside Kroger offering friendly greetings to customers.

 

Harenza said she wasn’t sure how Martensen received his nickname.  “I really don’t know all of the stories behind that other than the fact that maybe he was just so kind to people and always had a smile and something good to say about people.  I don’t think he was a wild man,” she said.

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