Obituary of Joseph Martelle

JOSEPH RICHARD MARTELLE, JR. Joseph Richard Martelle, Jr., 69, passed away in his home on Friday, March 2, 2012. Joe was the son of the late Joseph Richard Martelle, Sr. and Charlynn Cushing Martelle. Joe was an active Boy Scout in his youth and earned his Eagle Scout. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison on an R.O.T.C. scholarship graduating with a degree in accounting and eventually went on to receive his MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He served honorably in the US Navy from 1965¬ - 1969. Joe was a member of the American Legion Post 0380 of Charlotte, NC. Joe married his high school sweetheart, Nancy, on June 12, 1965 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Joe and Nancy moved their growing family to Charlotte, NC in 1981 with what was then Homelite Jacobson. He retired from John Deere in 2006 after more than thirty years of service for the company. Joe was a faithful Green Bay Packers fan. He also developed a passion for the game of soccer. Joe and Nancy enjoyed watching the US National team and the English Premier League Games together. Joe was an avid reader and particularly enjoyed the Aubrey Maturin novels written by Patrick O'Brian. He enjoyed watching movies and listening to music, often loudly, much to the chagrin of his wife. Joe loved the ocean, sailing and being near the water. He loved to hunt and fish and was a card carrying member of the NRA. Joe loved to watch his children and grandchildren play sports and often coached or assisted with their activities. Joe's children were all part of the Charlotte swimming community and several swam collegiately. Most importantly, Joe was a family man and was happiest when his family was around him. He loved nothing more than to be surrounded by his family at one of their frequent large gatherings. He would sit and watch and listen to everyone. He was a fiercely loyal and loving man. All nine of his children graduated from South Mecklenburg High School and went on to earn varying college degrees. He was always very proud of their accomplishments, careers and families. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Nancy Lee Martelle; sister, Jacqueline Martelle; children, Patricia Oliver, Rebecca Oesterle, Robert Martelle, John Martelle, Katherine Martin, Sarah Hessong, Jennifer Martelle, Susan Martelle and Meredith Martelle and eighteen grandchildren, Cody Oliver, Sheridan Oliver, Colton Oliver, Ashlynn Arthur, Ethan Oesterle, Alexandra Martelle, Lindsey Martelle, Madelyn Martelle, Georgia Martelle, Joseph Martelle, Rachel Martelle, Amelia Martelle, Zayne Martin, Piper Martin, Anabelle Hessong, Juliette Hessong, Carter Hessong, and Miles Martelle. Joe's presence will be deeply missed. We loved him dearly. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte. Friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Loaves & Fishes, Inc., PO Box 11234, Charlotte, NC 28220.