Martin Anthonisen
Founder

Phone: 708-957-2121
Fax: 708-957-2154

Martin Anthonisen
1924 – 2010

All the dates really tell us is when he was born and when he passed into the next life.  It’s the dash between the two years that is more important, because it’s the time the dash represents that gives us a look at the real Martin. 

A native of Chicago, Martin graduated from Bowen High School, where he was recently honored with induction into their Hall of Fame.  He attended both the University of Illinois and DePauw University, and as a member of the Greatest Generation, served his country as a Navy Pilot during the Second World War.

Getting off the ground in the business world led to stints selling both swimming pools and ice cream trucks, but Martin discovered his true vocation founding Anthonisen Financial Services in 1962.  During his 48 years in the financial services industry, Martin mentored hundreds of representatives and served on the National Advisory Board of his broker dealer. During this time he traveled to China to assist their fledgling securities industry establish training and compliance systems and protocols.

Partly due to personal success and partly due to who he was, Martin felt the tug to give back to his community, both local and global.  A Rotarian since the 1970’s Martin was a driving force behind the establishment of the Homewood Rotary Foundation, serving as its first president.   For several years he co-chaired the Health Fair, sponsored six Paul Harris Fellows and traveled to both Poland and Peru with VOSH to distribute eyeglasses to the poor.  Additionally, Martin served on the board of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and founded Jazz in the Park for Charity which has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Southland.  This last Spring, the Glenwood School honored his memory with their first Community Builder Award.

Martin left behind his loving wife Lois, children, grandchildren and many friends who miss his heartwarming company, guidance and enthusiasm for life. 

Isn’t it amazing how much information fits into that one little dash.  More amazing is how many lives he touched, but the best thing that can be said of Martin was simply that he lived the life of a Rotarian.