Margaret Alma “Marge” Martell, 78, died early Saturday morning, February 6, 2010 at the Elim Care Center in Fargo, North Dakota. Marge was born on October 21, 1931, in Gentilly, Minnesota, the daughter of Joe and Helena (Scharmer) Page. She was raised in Gentilly and attended country school. On November 8, 1948, Marge was joined in marriage to Ben Martell at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gentilly, where the couple made their home before moving to Grand Forks, North Dakota in 1954 and to East Grand Forks, Minnesota in 1964. Marge and Ben retired in 1985 and together they enjoyed traveling extensively. In 1996, they settled in Ada, Minnesota. Sadly, Ben passed away on November 8, 2004. Marge moved into a nursing home in 2008. She loved being a foster grandparent, enjoyed quilting, gardening and cooking for her family. Marge will be fondly remembered by her family and many friends.
Loving family members include her children, Ronald Martell of Warroad, MN, Sandra (Richard) Bluemke of Thief River Falls, MN, Darlene (Michael) Hensley of Simpsonville, SC, Marilyn Freeman of Hudson, WI, Theresa “Terry” (Thomas) Okins of Fargo, ND and Alan Martell of Denver, CO; twelve grandchildren, Heather (Rob) Geiman, Deanna (Marty) Peterson, Bob (Lisa) Bluemke, Doug (Jen) Hensley, Christine Hensley, Ben Freeman, Dan (Jenn) Freeman, Lindsey Okins, Michael Okins, Rachel Burgess, Naomi Martell, and David Martell; five great-grandchildren, Ava Geiman, Skyler Peterson, Savannah Peterson, Richard Bluemke and Sean Hensley; a sister, Leona (David) Braaten of NV; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. Besides her husband Ben, Marge was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Helena Page; son-in-law, Gregory Freeman; and daughter-in-law, Ruth Martell.
The visitation will be at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Tuesday at 5:00 pm, with a prayer service at 7:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gentilly, with visitation one hour preceding the service. Interment will be in St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Gentilly.
Arrangements are with the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home.
