John Wayne Martell

John Wayne Martell, 80, of Bella Vista, Arkansas passed away October 8, 2015 peacefully at home from cancer. John was born March 20, 1935 in Menominee, Michigan, the son of Frances and Avis (Gustafson) Martell. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Delores Pecha, and a brother-in-law, Charles Pecha. John married Dayle F. Graves, December 26, 1955, in Menominee, Michigan. He served three years in the U.S. Army in the 11th Airborne Division (1955-1958). After his discharge from the army, he completed his education receiving a Master Degree in Education from Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan. John enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, golfing and trips to a casino. He retired to Arkansas after 25 years as a public school physical education teacher and coach. Although John coached various sports over 20 years, football was his passion. As an assistant coach at a high school in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, John helped lead his team, the Raiders, to three consecutive state championships. John as a man of few words and of swift action when a decision was made. People thought of him as a tough guy, but the truth is that he was soft-hearted, a good husband and father, a loyal friend, and positive influence on his players. In addition to his wife Dayle, survivors include two sons, John M. Martell (Maryellen) of Chicago and Michael F. Martell (Kathyrn) of Burlington, Wisconsin; 7 grandchildren: Michael J., Elizabeth, Meghan, Taylor, Erin, Michael C. and Jeffery Martell; and nieces and nephews. A Mass of Resurrection was held October 12, 2015 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Bella Vista. The Bella Vista Honor Guard was present. His interment will be held at a later date in Wisconsin. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or to the charity of the donor's choice.