Obituary of Walter Martell

Walter Martell 90, died peacefully at home in Oro Valley, AZ on May 30, 2015. Born Veikko Marttila in Virginia, MN to Finnish immigrants Arvo and Martha (Kankaanpaa), Walter served in the Naval Air Service as a radio operator and gunner during WWII where he saw combat in the South Pacific. While at the University of Minnesota, he met and married Barbara (Werner), his wife of 63 years who passed away in 2014. Walter had a career in radio broadcasting and retired as General Manager of station KWKY in Des Moines. Barb and Walt settled in Oro Valley in 1987 where he pursued his life-long love of flying until age 80. Funny, intelligent and kind, Walt was a grateful member of Alcoholics Anonymous, sober more than 47 years. Walter and Barbara are survived by three children, Martha, Eric (Maria Victoria) and David (Elena Secota) and five grandchildren, Keith, Alexander, Salena, Miranda and Wyatt. No services are planned. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.