Paul Hilger Martell

Paul Hilger Martell, 74 of La Crosse passed away on Monday, April 17, 2017 after a long and courageous battle with mental illness.

He was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin on August 1, 1942 to James and Margaret (Mikshowsky) Martell. He was a 1960 graduate of Central High School and proudly served his country in the US Army. He married Ellen Klimesh on December 17, 1964.

Paul worked for his grandfather’s construction company in his early years which lead him to his life-long passion in carpentry. He worked for Peter Nelson and Sons, Fowler and Hammer, and then started his own company, EM Martell Construction. He was most proud of his work on the Galesville Library, Housing Authority, and the Myrick Park Bear Den.

Pau was very mechanically inclined and loved to work on fast cars, he also enjoyed the outdoors, trapping with his air boat, fishing, hunting, golfing, trips on his motorcycle, and walks with his wife Ellen. He also enjoyed sky diving and successfully completed over 500 jumps. He was one of the first fathers to be allowed in the delivery room to witness the birth of his children, during a time when fathers weren’t allowed that privilege.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Ellen; son, Paul (Valerie), daughters, Marilyn (Keith) Herlitzke and Susie (John) Harter; grandchildren, Michael (Sarah) Veglahn, Leah (Ben) Haskin, Sarah and Brianne Herlitzke; and great grandchildren, Octavia, Emma, and Caleb. He is also survived by brothers, Kenny (Mary), Peter (Rachel), and Mark (Denise); and sisters, Margie (Ray) Harris and Janie Podkalicki; and sister-in-laws, Eileen Chihak and Edna Klimesh; and brother-in-law, Edmund (Linda) Klimesh; and his beloved pet, Jenny.

Paul was proceeded in death by his parents; brothers, Thomas and James; and brothers-in-law, Robert Chihak and Herbert Podkalicki.

The family wishes to acknowledge the exceptional care provided by the nurses and doctors at the Tomah VA. A special thank you to Sue Schmitz (VA nurse), Dr. Cheri Olson (Mayo Clinic), Cardinal Raymond Burke for their kind and compassionate way in treating Paul with dignity and respect for the past 30 years.

There will be a private ceremony at a later date. Online condolences can be extended to the family at www.schumacher-kish.com . Memorials may be directed to the Tomah VA, Voluntary Services, 500 E Veterans St, Tomah, WI 54660 or National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of La Crosse, PO Box 595, La Crosse, WI 54602, making note of Paul Martell Memorial.

"Yesterday is the past, tomorrow is the future, but today is a gift, that's why it is called the present." Author Unknown