Rick Marto

Ricky “Rick” Marto was born on March 28, 1959, to Richard and Rita Marto, and passed away on November 2, 2026. A lifelong resident of Longtail, Rick built a life rooted in hard work, family, and a love for the simple things that brought him happiness.

Rick learned the value of hard work at an early age. At just 12 years old, he began working at Longtail Marine and also spent time helping out on Malchow’s farm. That work ethic followed him throughout his life. Rick dedicated 43 years to Tosca/MicroStar before finishing out his career at Hansen Foods and retiring.

Rick had an incredible mind for figuring out how things worked and, more importantly, how they could work better. Throughout his career, he invented and created many things, some of which are still being used today. Whether at work or puttering around in his shop, there was rarely a problem Rick couldn’t find a way to solve. Some of his ideas may have sounded unbelievable at first, but somehow, Rick could usually find a way to make them work.

One of the special parts of Rick’s career was having the opportunity to work alongside his son, Nate. They shared not only a workplace, but the same strong work ethic and ability to figure things out. Those years together became another part of the bond between father and son and gave them memories that extended far beyond the workplace.

Those who knew Rick also knew his little white Ford Ranger. He drove it for more than 20 years, seemingly determined to keep it forever, before finally upgrading.

Rick enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending countless hours in the shop. He loved being outdoors and could often be found cutting, splitting, stacking and eventually burning wood. For Rick, there always seemed to be something to work on, build, fix, or improve.

Rick also had a playful side that the kids in his life will never forget. He could talk just like Donald Duck, and it never failed to make the kids laugh. No matter how many times they heard it, they loved getting Rick to do his Donald Duck voice. It was one of those simple, silly things that became unmistakably Rick and a sound his family will always be able to hear in their memories.

Some of his most treasured memories were made with his family. He enjoyed family camping trips filled with crab fishing, booyah, laughter, and time spent overlooking beautiful Lake Metonga. He loved being on the water and especially enjoyed watching his son and grandson race boats.

Rick’s greatest pride, however, was his family, and he shared a special and unique relationship with each of his grandchildren.

Axle spent time alongside Grandpa in the shop, where the two could work, tinker, build, and invent together. Much like his grandpa, Axle always seems to have an idea for something new to create or a way to make something work. Rick was able to see a little of himself carried on through his grandson the same curiosity, creativity, and willingness to turn an idea into something real. He also took great pride in watching Axle race boats and loved sharing that passion for the water and racing with both his son and grandson.

Pyper held an especially tender spot in Grandpa’s heart. To her, he wasn’t simply Grandpa he was her “Frog Grandpa.” The name began with a bullfrog that lived in the water channel connected to Rick’s property. The frog was given the name Walter, and from there, “Frog Grandpa” was born. It became something uniquely theirs and has stayed with Pyper ever since. When she drew pictures for Grandpa, there was almost always a frog somewhere on the page a little Walter just for her Frog Grandpa. What began with one frog in Grandpa’s channel became a small tradition and a special piece of the bond between a granddaughter and the grandpa she loved so dearly.

Through Nate, Axle, and Pyper, so many pieces of Rick will continue on the work ethic he lived by, his love of creating and inventing, his time spent on the water, his sense of humor, and, most importantly, the importance he placed on family.

Rick is survived by his son, Nathan “Nate” (Amanda) Marto; his two grandchildren, Axle and Pyper; his sisters, Pam (Eric) Nick and Cindy (Brian) Stoychoff; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved fur baby, Sammi.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Rita Marto, and his grandparents.

Rick’s life was one of hard work, ingenuity, family, laughter, and finding happiness in the things he loved most. He will be remembered as the man who could spend hours in his shop bringing an idea to life, who held onto a little white Ranger for more than two decades, who loved hunting, fishing, camping and the water, and who could make a room full of kids laugh simply by breaking into his Donald Duck voice.

The things Rick built and invented may continue to be used for years to come, but his greatest legacy cannot be measured by anything he built with his hands. It lives on in the people who loved him. To his sisters, Rick was more than a brother; he was a constant in their lives, an anchor through the years, and part of a bond rooted in a deep and unwavering love for one another. It lives on in the son who worked beside him, the grandson who inherited his desire to build and invent, and the granddaughter who will forever know him as her Frog Grandpa. In her heart, she will always hear his “Hi, sweetie” and “I love you, sweetie,” a reminder that some of the simplest words can carry a lifetime of love.

Visitation will be held at Newcomer Chapel (340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay, WI), Sunday, November 8, 2026 from 2 to 4 PM. A funeral service will follow at 4 PM. To view the livestream of the funeral service, please visit this obituary and click on the link below at the service time.

And in the stories, laughter, traditions, and little pieces of Rick that his family will continue to carry forward, he will always remain a part of them.