A familiar face in Waterloo passed away recently, and while he didn’t share much of himself with others, many are sure to miss the sight of him walking through town while puffing on his pipe.

Martin Aumiller, 72, died on Jan. 16. A staple in the community, he has long been recognized by many all across Waterloo with his trademark cap, sunglasses and tobacco smoke.

Aumiller’s sister, Ruby Jahr, offered some background and memories of Marty, though she acknowledged that they hadn’t stayed exceptionally close over the years.

Aumiller lived with his family in Valmeyer when he was young, graduating from Valmeyer High School.

Jahr recalled that when he was quite young, Marty spent time in the hospital suffering from encephalitis – inflammation of the brain – which wound up paralyzing his right side and further caused issues with his reading and writing.

Shortly after graduating high school, Aumiller joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving as a military cook while at Camp Lejeune. He is honored with a Hometown Heroes sign in Waterloo.

At some point after his military service, Aumiller moved to Waterloo, where he became known for his walks about town.

He was also known well at Human Support Services, where he worked as a client for some time.

“He worked inside with the other clients for a long time, and then he got put in charge of their recycling stuff, the cardboard, getting that ready for shipment, making sure it was done right,” Jahr said. “He was always very meticulous about making sure things were done correctly. He took great pride in his work.”

As part of his work with HSS, Aumiller also worked for the City of Waterloo, helping to clean the streets, particularly around the courthouse.

Jahr recalled that Aumiller also worked as a garbage man for a time.

While he was seemingly always moving, Aumiller did have a number of regular stops.

Marty was known at the Waterloo VFW, and he was also a regular at Randy’s Double R Bar downtown.

The bar’s owner, Randy Rehmer, recalled how Aumiller always stopped by in the morning for a cup of coffee while he scratched off his lottery tickets.

He also attended St. Paul United Church of Christ for a time alongside his mother. As church member Steve Crook recalled, he served as an usher and did a fine job offering communion.

Aumiller also regularly turned out for the church’s Monday night dinners with his mother. Crook noted Marty always spent time with his mother after they left.

Jahr further spoke about the relationship Aumiller had with their mother, as he was a strong support system for her especially in her last few years.

Jahr summarized Aumiller’s place in the community as she understood it.

“He apparently knew people all over the place just because he couldn’t stand to sit still,” Jahr said. “He always had to be walking, which is where most people saw him.”

She also spoke highly of her brother in general, noting how Marty was a hard worker, always determined to stand on his own two feet without asking for help.

“He was proud of stuff,” Jahr said. “It had been hard for him, and so he was very proud of what he had achieved. He really liked hearing from people that he was appreciated.”

Jahr additionally recalled how quiet he was along with the fact he loved his westerns.

She said that his passing came as quite the shock, as it seemed to happen incredibly quickly following a brief period in the hospital which led to a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Though he was by many accounts a very private person, many in the community are sure to have fond memories of Marty.

Crook, along with sharing Aumiller’s experiences at St. Paul UCC, spoke to his general presence in Waterloo.

“He was a fixture in town,” Crook said. “Everybody saw him walking around, and I don’t know how many pairs of boots he must have worn out through the years or how many pouches of tobacco he went through.”

Republic-Times General Manager Kermit Constantine also offered his thoughts as Aumiller was frequently seen wandering downtown.

“Everyone knew him for his daily walks,” Constantine said. “He would acknowledge your wave or hello, but he wasn’t one to initiate them, and that was OK because you knew he meant well. I often asked him how many pairs of boots and tennis shoes he wore out in his Waterloo travels, and he always replied that he didn’t know. I will miss seeing him passing by the windows of the Republic-Times. He was a man who didn’t want for much, just a pleasant day for walking”

With his passing, Aumiller leaves behind many good memories, some well-trodden sidewalks and the faint, fond smell of tobacco smoke.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Quernheim Funeral Home. For his obituary, click here.