Fern Martell, 86, of Wishek, ND, died October 3, 2026, at South Central Health, Wishek. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, October 9, 2026, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Wishek. Burial will take place at St. Luke Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at Feist Funeral Home, Wishek.

Fern was born on April 24, 1940 to Lester and Frieda (Schauer) Schuchard at Napoleon, ND. She received her elementary education at a rural school in Cokato township in Logan County. In 1952 Fern and her family moved to Wishek where she finished her schooling and graduated from Wishek High School in 1958. Fern married Myron Martell on June 5, 1959 at St. Luke Lutheran Church. Fern and Myron owned and operated Martell’s Inc, where she did the bookkeeping for the company for several years.

Fern had a special love for animals, especially taking care of cats. Fern enjoyed bowling, the occasional trip to the casino, spending time at their lake cabin with family and celebrating birthdays, which she always made so special.

She was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Wishek Antique Car Club and the Tri County Fair Board.

Fern is survived by her husband, Myron Martell, Wishek; son, Michael (Peggy) Martell, Wishek; daughter, Gina (Clyde) Wiest, Wishek; grandchildren, Evan Martell, West Fargo, Ross (Jayme) Martell, Wishek, Josh (Stacy) Wiest, Wishek and Lacey (Tyler) Eiseman, Bismarck; great grandchildren, Maxx, Jaxon, and Brooks Martell, Kya, Camden, Brendon and Adrian Wiest and Benjamin and Chase Eiseman; sisters, Blanche Deile, West Fargo, Colleen Jones, Wishek and Joyce (Wayne) Janke, Wishek.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Genevieve (Ray) Raile and June Burlack; and her brother Gary (Paulette) Schuchard.