Don Martelle – Served in WW II and Korean War

Don Martelle Died after a long battle with lung cancer on Jan.
20, 2005. He was born on Oct. 30, 1925 to Harold Darl Martelle and
Beulah Irene Martelle (Secor) in St. Joseph, Michigan. Don was the
beloved husband of the late Nina Ruth Martelle (Greenwood) and the
brother of the late Richard Martelle. He is survived by his son Joe
Martelle and wife Jacquelyn; his grandsons Joseph and Dylan of
Seattle, Washington; his brothers Bob (Winnie) of Stevensville,
Michigan and Marty (Suzanne) of Sacramento; his sister Marge
(Donald) Bischoff of Stevensville, Michigan; his sister-in-law Lee
Martelle of Marshall; also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and
nephews. Don was born in St. Joseph, Michigan, but grew up in
Benton Harbor, Michigan. He attended school but did not finish high
school. At a young age he began traveling. He was hired on the ore
ship Smith Thomas, which carried large cargo on Lake Michigan. He
later served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He was in
the Philippines, Italy, Corsica and many other foreign lands. Don
was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. He served there
for a year. He later completed his education and graduated from the
University of Michigan. Don came to San Francisco and worked as a
salesman. Don and Nina were married on July 7, 1958 in Minden,
Nevada. They lived in San Rafael and Fairfax, and moved to Santa
Rosa in 1972. Joe was born in 1960. Don and Nina were avid rock
hounds. They traveled the deserts of Nevada searching for rocks
with little Joe in tow. Nina would make jewelry while Don polished,
cut and categorized their finds. Don was also took up sculpturing
and did very well in that endeavor. He also had a 28-foot
commercial fishing boat named “Moon Beam!” He fished out of Tomales
Bay and sold his catch to Dick’s Smoked Meats in Petaluma. When El
Nino hit, he sold his boat and started a concrete business called
Larson’s. When construction slowed, he started a janitorial
business. Among his many clients were Sizzler, Jeremiah’s and
Foster’s Freeze of Cotati. He also cleaned the windows of Mark
Allen Jewelers, California Luggage Store, Mac’s Deli and many more
downtown businesses in Santa Rosa. This is where he made many
friends who enjoyed his stories and his sense of humor. The family
would like to thank the fine staff of Autumn House in Windsor. He
was in their care for almost two years. Christine and her staff not
only took excellent care of him but incorporated him into their
family. Don loved the attention he received and he, in turn, helped
by teaching them new techniques on cooking to satisfy his palate.
Don also helped the young ladies with their learning the English
language, grammar and spelling. He was even invited to some
graduations and gladly attended as a proud grandparent. The family
thanks Memorial Hospice for the love and care they gave Don, from
beginning to end. Donations in his memory may be made to Memorial
Hospice, 821 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95401. There will be an
open house for anyone who wants to talk with others about Don at
the home of Falk and Lenny Dressing, 8645 Lancaster Dr. in Rohnert
Park on Sunday, Jan. 30, from 2 to 5 p.m. For more information,
call 795-3239.