Lawrence “Larry” Omer Martell, age 90, passed away surrounded by family on November 7, 2020. Larry was born on March 28, 1930, in Somerset, Wisconsin, to parents Lawrence and Angeline (Raboin) Martell. Larry enjoyed living within 25 miles of Somerset his entire life. He married Janet Myrtle Flandrick on September 1st, 1951, and they quietly celebrated their 69th anniversary this fall. Only love and faith can keep a couple together for that many years. Larry and Janet raised 9 children which fulfilled Larry’s dream of having a baseball team. The family farm he loved so dearly was a wonderful place to raise crops and animals, to hunt deer, and for his children to grow up. For Larry, his life was sustained by family, land, and faith.
Besides raising children and farming, Larry had a variety of job experiences. Over the years he worked for Soo Line, Andersen Windows, and drove semi for Doughboy, Boss Line, Rock Island, Witi Trucking, and Cemstone. He was an accomplished driver and earned the right to criticize everyone else’s driving. Larry used his many skills to work hard and support his family.
Larry was a proud Army veteran, having served in Japan and Korea. He was a dedicated member of the Somerset American Legion Post 111 for 43 years. The Legion was his home away from home and he appreciated the sense of community there.
Larry was also passionate about Purple Martins and was a member of the Purple Martin Conservation Society. He spent years building and studying his Martin colony at the farm.
Though strict as a parent, Larry’s soft-side showed through for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who could melt his heart. Larry had a good sense of humor, loved to tell stories, and often had a knowing twinkle in his eye.
Larry was also a lifelong member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Somerset, WI.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Angeline (Raboin) Martell; sister, Beatrice Harvieux; and grandchild, Josh Derrick.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Janet (Flandrick) Martell; children, Carol (Jerry) Parsons, Angeline ‘Angie’ (William) Smith, Rochelle Kelley, Keith (Becky) Martell, Kathleen ‘Kay’ Martell, Harold (Tresa) Martell, Dianne (Timothy) Schweitzer, Helen (Donald) Derrick, Loren (Orvilla) Martell; grandchildren, Heather (John) Winter, Nicholas Johnson, Andrew (Meghan) Parsons, Tyler Johnson, Wyatt (Joyce) Parsons, Allison Parsons, Erika Martell, Robert (Tanya) Martell, Garrett (Kelley Marshall) Kelley, Michelle Martell, Gina Martell, Tasia Kelley, Leah (Damion) Wilson, Elijah Kelley; great-grandchildren, Amethyst ‘Rosie’ Morrow, Penelope Winter, Willow Parsons, Emaline Winter, Elizabeth Martell, Luka Parsons, Elliot Wilson, Blake Martell, Ella Parsons, Liam Kelley. Also survived by a brother, Calvin (Helen Lund) Martell; and sister-in-law, Joyce Mante.
Larry will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, any donations received by the family will be divided between the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Chippewa Falls and the Purple Martin Conservation Society in memory of Larry.
A private Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday November 13, 2020 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Somerset, Wisconsin.