James Martelle

James L. Martelle, age 77, of Janesville, died Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at Cedar Crest, Janesville, WI. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 12 noon Monday, August 19 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Janesville, WI, with Rev. Stephen J. Umhoefer officiating. Entombment will be at a later date in Mt. Olivet Mausoleum.
James was born in Harpers Ferry January 29, 1936, the son of Napoleon and Lillian (Crowley) Martelle. He was enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1953 until 1956, during the Korean Conflict. Jim married Marlys Murphy in Harpers Ferry November 28, 1959, and the couple moved to Janesville, WI.
He worked for General Motors for 33 years in skilled trades as a welder until his retirement in 1994. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Janesville, WI, Harpers Ferry American Legion, UAW Local 95, Janesville Bowmen Club, Wild Turkey Federation, and the Loyal Order of the Moose. Jim loved hunting, fishing, flying his airplane, was an avid sports fan following the Packers and Badgers, and watching his grandchildren’s sports.
Jim is survived by his wife, Marlys, of 53 years; four children, David (Chris) Martelle, Dale (Colleen) Martelle, Denise (Mike) Thompson and Deanna (Chris) Wallace, all of Janesville, WI; nine grandchildren, Chelsey (Eric) Bunderson, Carly Martelle, Morgan Martelle, Jordan Thompson, Evan Thompson, Jessica Thompson, Ethan Thompson, Lily Wallace and Sam Wallace; a sister, Helen (Martin) Delaney of Harpers Ferry; a brother-in-law, Jim “Doc” Lau of Dubuque; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Mary Lau and Rita (Daryl) Larson.
Schneider Apfel Schneider & Schneider Funeral Home & Crematory of Janesville, WI assisted the family. For online guestbook and condolences, visit www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com.