Richard J. Martell

Richard Martell, age 95, passed away January 6, 2015 at the Fountains of Garden Way. Richard, son of the late Joseph and Rose Konshak Martell, was born October 15, 1919 in Menasha. He grew up in Menasha near Little Lake Butte des Morts, where he went fishing, hunting, and canoeing with his brothers. He attended St. Patrick grade school, and graduated from Menasha High School in 1937. Richard had a love of nature and conservation all his life. He enjoyed deer hunting, bird watching, Brewers and Packer games, and being with his large family, especially the little ones. He loved to talk about his years in Canada doing weather observations for the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. Richard his future wife Eva Olson in Canada and together they raised their children at their home on Palisades Drive on the Fox River. He continued to live at his home until August of 2014. Many will remember Richard for his nearly fifty-year career as a printer at American Can Company.

Richard is survived by his ten loving children: Joyce (David) Downs, Linda (Gary) Stafford, Theresa Erickson (Bill Sobieski), Katherine (Tim) Murphy, Nancy (Kevin) Labby, Judy Martell (Lee Hartson), Christine Schmidt, Richard Martell, David Martell (Cindy Selig), and Ronald Martell; a brother: Elmer (Rachel) Martell, two sisters: Sr. Lillian Martell and Sr. Christina Martell; and a sister-in-law: Patricia Martell. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his former wife, Eva. Richard was preceded in death by his brothers: John (Florence) Martell and Paul Martell; his sisters: Rose Martell, Melania (Harry) Resch, Florence (Ned) Swan, and Lorraine (Dr. Edward) Meyer; a daughter-in-law: Georgia Martell; a granddaughter: Margaret; and a special friend Jean Wright.

On Saturday, January 10, 2014, from 10:00 AM until noon, the family will gather to honor Richard and his gifts to each of us at the Wichmann Funeral Home, Tri County Chapel, located at 1592 Oneida Street in Menasha. At noon, there will be a special time to share memories and celebrate his life. All are welcome to attend.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Gardens of Fountain Way for their excellent care the last few months of dad's life – your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.

Richard was an intelligent, open-minded man. We will miss being with him.