Corinne “Corky” F. Martell

Corinne "Corky" Frances Martell (Hafner) 87, of La Crosse, left our arms and went home to her Lord and Savior on Sept 4, 2025. She was surrounded by loved ones in her final days and hours and left this world full of love.

Preceded in death by her parents Leo and Marie Frances (Frappier) Hafner, her grandparents Frank and Lenna (Beech) Frappier, Frank and Magdalena (Holless) Hafner, her beloved husband John J Martell, her beloved son David Martell, stepdaughter Joan Hoard, her beloved grandson Justin Betz, and his daughter Alyssa Betz, brother Theodore (Teddy) Hafner, sister in law Jeanette (Stevens ) Hafner and brother in laws Gary Loss and Glenn Miller

Corky was born November 14, 1937 to Marie Frances (Frappier) and Leo Hafner. She grew up in La Crescent, Minnesota on South Ridge. On February 7, 1957 she married John J Martell in Caledonia MN.

She is survived by children Rebecca (Martell) and David Wilhelm Sr., Agnes (Martell) and Neal Pellowski, Jack and Mary (Mulholland) Martell, Andy (Lacey) Martell. Grandchildren Romi (Vong) and Caz Pellowski (Paige), and Josh Martell (Stefanie), Mason Haas (Ashley), David Jr (Tina) Wilhelm Jr, Maggie Wilhelm, Lisa OMalley and Leeann Nolte, great grandchildren Izayah, Amelia, Noah, Lincoln, Andrew, Julian, Mitchell, Blake,Kia, Carey, Presley, Maverick, Micah, Mikiyah and Mikariyah. Sisters, Anne (Hafner) Loss, Mary (Miller) Hafner, Jane (Hafner) and Alfred Heiden. Brothers Herbert Hafner and Lawrence (Larry) and Erma Hafner. Nieces and nephews, Lisa, Jamie, Jaqueline, Dean, Robin, Steven, Mary Jo, Philip, Sarah, Wendy, Herb Jr, Leslie, Laurie, Randy, Brian, Dennis, Vickie, Chris, Scott, Tracy, Paul, Barb and George. Additionally, many special “adopted” family that they cannot all be listed, as they would fill the pages of the paper and still not have named them all, but each and all were loved.

Corky had many different skills and gifts that she shared with others throughout her lifetime, both in jobs and in volunteering. Corky began working at Montgomery Ward in the fashion department and stayed with them until the store closed. Her eye for colors and fashion provided her with a gift for fashion. Upon the store closing she began working as a Mac Donald’s lunch lady, dishing out food and smiles, eventually leaving to go to work at Charlotte’s bridal as a seamstress. She remained at Charlotte’s Bridal until her retirement.

Corky was not one to have “idle hands” (or feet) and she believed wholeheartedly that the world moved thru the love shared with others, and to this end she volunteered at so many places, including serving as Officer and President of the St. James PCCW, School Board Member of Saint James Catholic School, 30 Year Sachristine of Saint James Parish, Helped to institute the Mardi Gras Krewe for St James ( The Krewe of Three Rivers) and acted as treasurer for many years. Was the first recipient of the Saint James Woman of the Year Award, volunteered at the Eagles Club, Logan Craft show organizer and participant for years, volunteered as adoptive grandma for students at Saint Pats grandparent days, helped as a driver when rides were needed and most importantly donated her time and love to help any child, related or not, providing rides, hugs, food and support. There was never a hurting heart that crossed Corky’s path that she didn’t stop and help in any way she could.

Corky was a strong and faithful woman who dedicated her life to helping others. She began volunteering in grade school with 4H and never looked back, spending her life helping others. She persevered thru numerous hardships, including numerous cancers, illnesses and tragedies, the loss of loved ones and the loss of her own health, however never once did she fail to put her own burdens aside and lend a hand to anyone in need. She was truly a blessing to any and all whose lives she touched.

She loved crafts (wreaths, ornaments, candy bouquets, crafting, sewing, and alterations) and loved to quilt, she stitched her quilts with love and prayer and they are treasured by their recipients to this day. She never found a book (or magazine) that she didn’t need to read, and she treasured each story.

She collected angels, snow globes, miniatures, rosaries, FLAMINGOS, collectible Barbie dolls and red glass. She had an extensive library of crafting books and magazines, and many many books full of stories and memories. Corky was also a poet, and a family historian, always available to listen to a story, record a memory, and hold a memoriam all those who passed before. If you ever forgot the date of a birthday, Corky was the lady to call because she was the glue that held the family together. She began the tradition of family reunions that still run strong to this day. Her voice and her laugh will be sorely missed in the coming days and years, but the lasting legacy of love and servant leadership will carry on in the lives of all those who were blessed to call her friend. While her time on earth has ended, those who knew her know that she will always be the angel watching over us all and waiting with open arms to welcome us home at the end of our own life journeys, to that end we remember that this is not goodbye, its simply “until we meet again”.

Funeral services will be held on September 12, 2025 at 11 A.M. at the Schumacher Kish Funeral home 200 West Ave South, La Crosse Wisconsin. A wake will be held Thursday, September 11th from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, a rosary will be said at 7:00 pm in memory of Corky, and September 12th from 10-11 am at the Schumacher Kish Funeral home. Immediately following the service, she will be interred at the French Island Catholic Cemetery and a funeral luncheon will follow after interment at the Eagles Club in La Crosse (630 6th street south ). All are welcome, and encouraged, to attend.

The family asks that any memorial donations be sent to her family (Rebecca Wilhelm) to assist with her final expenses. A Go Fund Me has been started as well, you can find that at https://gofund.me/a51b477a2. The family appreciates your thoughts in this time of loss, and hopes that anyone who was touched by Corky’s love remember that her love never ends and she will be with you always.