Francis Martell, 91, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, Thursday, December 23, 2010 at Hillcrest Senior Living Center, Red Lake Falls, MN.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 1 PM, Monday, December 27, 2010 at St. Josephs Church, Red Lake Falls, MN. Burial will be at St. Anthony Cemetery, Terrebonne, MN.

Visitation will be 5-8 PM, Sunday, December 26, 2010 at St. Josephs Church, Red Lake Falls with a 7 PM prayer service and for one hour prior to the service, on Monday.

Francis Fritz Alex Martell was born November 15, 1919 at Crookston, MN, the son of Joseph and Louise (Emard) Martell. He was raised in Red Lake Falls, attended St. Josephs School and LaFayette High School.

On February 11, 1941, Francis was united in marriage to Crystal Mae Malwitz in Gentilly, MN.

The couple farmed. Fritz worked road construction for many years. He drove semi for Arctic Cat for several years and worked at Transystems for a time. The couple moved into Red Lake Falls in 2005.

He was a member of St. Josephs Church and the Farmers Union. He liked ice skating, music, horses, local and professional sports, attending sports events and chasing his kids.

Fritz is survived by; children: Jay (Debbie) Martell, Gillette, WY, Warren Martell, Shakopee, MN, Gary Martell, Red Lake Falls, MN, Joyce (LeRoy) Christenson, Red Lake Falls, MN, Darrell (Barb) Martell, Red Lake Falls, MN, Janet (Dan) Vigstol, Cedar, MN, Bob (Deb) Martell, St. Hilaire, MN, Ray (special friend, Janell) Martell, Red Lake Falls, MN, Doug (Mary) Martell, Thief River Falls, MN, Theresa (Jay) Avelsgaard, Mentor, MN, Tom (special friend Marilyn) Martell, Hudson, WI and Donna (special friend Scott) Besserud, Edina, MN; daughter in law Peggy (Bob) Orrock, Becker, MN; 45 grandchildren; 83 great grandchildren; 10 great, great grandchildren.; a half sister: Fern Bennett, Spokane, WA; 2 sisters-in-law: Lila and LeRoy Brekke, Mesa, AZ and Doris Malwitz, Plummer, MN; bother-in-law: John and Colleen Malwitz, Red Lake Falls, MN

Preceded in death by wife, Crystal on August 13, 2008; daughter, Mary Hendrickson in 1995; a son, Louis in 1985; 2 grandchildren, Shawn Christenson and Christopher Martell; 4 great grandchildren, David, Daniel, Carson and Taytum.

SPECIAL MUSIC: Dan Vigstol and Vanessa Martell
CASKETBEARERS: All of Francis grandchildren
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Francis great grandchildren & great great grandchildren