Richard Martell Obituary

Richard "Jake" Martell passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2024 at Essentia Hospital in Fosston surrounded by his loving family.
Mass of Christian burial for Jake will be held 11:00 AM on Friday, August 2, 2024 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Oklee, MN with Father Bryan Kujawa officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery near Oklee, MN.
Richard Peter "Jake" Martell was born on July 9, 1950 at Crookston, MN son of Francis and Cecelia (Brault) Martell. He was raised in Oklee and graduated from Crookston Ag School class of 1968. Jake entered the US Army on November 28, 1969 and served his country until his honorable discharge on November 19, 1971. He received the National Defense Service Medal. He moved to South Milwaukee where he met the love of his life.
On April 28, 1973 Jake was united in marriage to Phyllis "Pokie" Ann Muszynski in South Milwaukee. To this union two children were born, Jody Michael and Kippy Lyn. The couple made their home West of Brooks, MN for 7 years and then moved to rural Oklee in 1980 where he farmed the family farm.
Jake enjoyed hunting, fishing and having a beer with his buddies. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and was an active member of the Patriot Guard and American Legion. He served on various boards in the area. He enjoyed attending all of his grandchildren's sporting events. Anyone and everyone was welcome to stop by his shop where the coffee was hot and the beer was cold.
Jake is survived by his; children Jody Martell of Dilworth, MN and Kippy (Donnie) Howard of Oklee, MN; grandchildren Marissa and Gavin Thomas, Dakota, Caleb Tristan, Zach and Arianna Howard; siblings Frank Ayotte of East Grand Forks, MN, Raymond (Cathy) Ayotte of Colorado Springs, CO, Dave Martell of Gentilly, MN; Theresa (Jim) Schmitz of Red Lake Falls, MN, Lorraine (Dewayne) Miska of Euclid, MN, and Kathy (Norm) Brenna of Thief River Falls, MN; Sister-in-law Sandy (Dennis) Filkins of Cudahy, WI several nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews. His four-legged friend Lucy. He was a father figure and grandfather figure to many people in the area.
Jake is preceded in death by his wife Pokie, parents Francis and Cecelia, mother and father-in-law Alice and Frank Muszynski, sister Patricia Stengl, and sister-in-law Betty Ayotte and brother-in-law Darrell Stengl.
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