Gayle Martin 07/13/2026

Gayle Marie Martin, born on November 1, 1956, in New Richmond, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly on July 13, 2026. A loving wife to Lee Roy Martin and devoted mother to her two daughters, Lori (Mike) Hoogheem and Lindsey (Tyler) Stapel. Gayle was the adored grandmother of six grandchildren: Dylan (Bailey Peterson) Martin, Oliver Hoogheem, Sophia Hoogheem, Owen Hoogheem, Dane Stapel, and Eli Stapel. She will be missed by her siblings, nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. Gayle was preceded in death by her parents: Chris Bethke, Loretta Bethke.
Gayle dedicated herself to her family and took great pride in her role as the heart of the family. She enjoyed tending to her garden, and was proud of the beautiful flowers surrounding her home. She was an avid reader and enjoyed watching movies and tv shows. She found joy in sitting on her deck at night, watching the birds come to the feeders, particularly the hummingbirds and Baltimore Orioles. She loved taking a walk or 4-wheeler ride to check on her trumpeter swans.
In addition to her love for nature, Gayle was passionate about cooking and baking, creating meals and treats that brought family together. She embraced the joy of shopping and delightfully decorated her home for the holidays. One of her favorite pastimes was playing games, especially the card game 500. She cherished the memories created during family vacations, which included adventures in Alaska, Hawaii, Florida, Las Vegas, Canada and the East Coast.
In her last week, Gayle enjoyed the annual family vacation at the lake in Minocqua, where she spent quality time with her family—taking boat rides, observing loons and eagles, and creating lasting memories with her grandchildren.
A dedicated office administrator, Gayle worked at Polfus Implement for 35 years, retiring four years ago. Retirement allowed her to fully enjoy the simple pleasures she loved most: spending time with family, caring for her home and gardens, and embracing the beauty of everyday life.
Gayle’s warmth, kindness, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her Christian faith and strong moral character were evident in the way she loved others and lived each day. Though her passing leaves an immeasurable void, her legacy will live on in the lives she shaped, the traditions she created, and the love she gave so freely.
A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 11 am at the New Richmond United Methodist Church 209 East 2nd Street New Richmond, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026 from 4-8 pm at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services 728 S  Knowles Avenue New Richmond, WI and on Tuesday from 10-11 am at the church. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

click here to watch Gayle’s service live on Tuesday at 11 am