Francis Peter Martell was born on December 6, 1917 in Gentilly, MN, the son of Henry and Celina (Amiot) Martell. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter Catholic Church in Gentilly and attended rural school.

He worked on the family farm until he entered the US Army on June 13, 1941 at Fort Snelling, MN. During his service Francis received the Purple Heart and was honorably discharged on December 10, 1945 at Camp McCoy, WI.

Francis returned to the family farm and on June 21, 1949 he was united in marriage to Cecelia Brault-Ayotte in Gentilly, MN. The couple purchased a farm near Oklee where he lived until he entered Villa St. Vincent in Crookston 2 ½ years ago. Along with farming he worked at American Crystal Sugar Plant in Crookston during the winters for 25 years.

Francis was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus in Crookston, Disabled American Veterans, McIntosh VFW and a life member of the American Legion in Crookston. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing and traveling.

Francis is survived by his children, Francis (Betty) Ayotte, East Grand Forks, MN, Patricia Stengl, Oslo, MN, Theresa (Jim) Schmitz, Red Lake Falls, Raymond (Cathern) Ayotte, Colorado Springs, CO, Lorraine (Bernard) Schmitz, Red Lake Falls, Richard (Phyllis) Martell, Oklee, David Martell, Crookston, Kathy (Norman) Brenna, Thief River Falls; 21 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; special friend Alphina Mahle, Mentor, MN; brothers Daniel (Barb) Martell, Racine, WI, Ben (Marge) Martell, Ada, MN; sister Ellen Scully, Yakima, WA, along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by wife Cecelia on April 7, 1987, parents, son in law Darrell Stengl and brother in law Robert Scully.

Francis P. Martell died on Wednesday, June 4, 2003 at Villa St. Vincent in Crookston, MN at the age of 85 years, 5 months and 28 days. May his memory be blessed.