The funeral for Melvin L. Martel, 78, Bismarck, ND, formerly of Wishek, ND will be Saturday, September 3, 2011 at 10:30 AM at St. Luke Lutheran Church at Wishek, ND. Visitation will be Friday from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Dahlstrom Funeral Home, Wishek, ND. Burial will be at St. Luke Lutheran Cemetery, Wishek, ND.


Melvin was born October 6, 1932 in rural McIntosh County, near Wishek, ND to August and Rosina (Kramer) Martel. He was baptized at St. James Lutheran Church on November 7, 1932. He was confirmed at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church on June 29, 1947. Melvin attended country school in McIntosh County. Melvin married Arlys Fiechtner on June 9, 1955 in Wishek, ND. They farmed on the family farm until retiring in 1991. Arlys passed away on April 6, 2007. Melvin continued to live on the farm until November 2009 when he moved to Bismarck, ND. He was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Wishek, and a past member of the Wishek Eagles. Melvin enjoyed playing pinochle, gardening, and watching TV.

Melvin died Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at his home in Bismarck, ND. He was 78 years old.


Melvin is survived by his four daughters, Vicki Martel, Judith Martel, Shelly Martel, and Patricia (Gene) Schmidt, all of Bismarck, ND; three grandsons, Aaron and Zachary Schmidt, and Nathan Gedrose, Bismarck, ND; one sister, Leona (William E.) Meidinger, Ashley, ND. He was preceded in death by his wife, Arlys, his parents, and two infant brothers.