Glenn Edward Martella was born on January 10, 1942, in Ferndale. A lifelong resident of Ferndale, Glenn was woven into the heart and history of the town he loved.

Sporting a cowboy hat with red poppies and a toothpick tucked in the brim, he was instantly recognizable — a character and a legend in equal measure.

In his early 20s, Glenn became a dairy farmer, establishing a productive herd of Jersey cows. During his years in dairy, he shipped his milk to the Humboldt Creamery at Fernbridge, where he also served on the creamery’s Board of Directors. Later, his milk was shipped to Rumiano Cheese Company in Crescent City. During hay season, Glenn could often be seen on his tractor baling hay along the state highway—a project he began decades ago with his good friend Larry Pries, and a familiar sight that locals grew to expect and appreciate. He retired from milking cows after more than forty years in dairy but continued bailing hay each summer until his late 70s.

Glenn believed in service, friendship, and showing up. He joined the Ferndale Rotary many years ago and was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. A running joke between family and fellow Rotarians was that each Tuesday, when one of his kids would call during a meeting, he’d answer the phone only to say, “You know I’m at Rotary,” reminding them of the $25 fine he was ready to risk for them. Every holiday season, he looked forward to the Rotary Christmas dinner and always made his way to Santa’s lap, no matter his age.

In 1968, Glenn joined the Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department. He served with Company 4, holding the offices of Lieutenant and Captain, before retiring in 2004 after 36 years of active service. He later joined Company 5 (Retired), remaining active through 2023. He especially enjoyed cooking breakfast for the crew that decorated the town Christmas tree and participating in the firefighter games on Main Street.

Glenn was also a proud and longstanding member of Native Sons of the Golden West, Parlor #93, joining in 1979 and remaining active for 46 years.

Beyond his local involvement, Glenn enjoyed being part of organizations that celebrated hunting culture and camaraderie. He was a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Wild Turkey Federation, and Mule Deer Foundation, and he especially enjoyed attending the dinners, social gatherings, and big raffles associated with them.

A jokester at heart, Glenn filled his days with simple pleasures: hunting, fishing, stock car races at Redwood Acres Raceway, card games, and shaking dice. He spent years as part of his best friend Larry Pries’ pit crew, and from time to time, Glenn would even race Larry’s car himself during the mechanics race — always with enthusiasm and just a hint of mischief.

His daily routines were anchored in community and in the familiar places that shaped his life. From early mornings at the ranch to afternoons over coffee at Ferndale Pizza Co., Glenn’s days followed a rhythm that connected him deeply to his work, his friends, and his town.

Glenn took pride in the quality of his Jersey dairy herd and in the largest elk he ever shot, which his child, Shilo, affectionately named Eddie. He also cherished time spent fishing with his children and teaching Shilo how to hunt. His stories became family lore, including the time he insisted the family cut their first-ever trip to Hawaii short after just three days so he could return home to finish bailing hay. 

A familiar presence around town, Glenn spent decades driving the streets of Ferndale, visiting friends, checking in, and making sure he never missed out on any fun. He was, in many ways, the embodiment of small-town life—hardworking, loyal, mischievous, and unforgettable.

Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, Elsie (Bruga) and Walter Martella; his brothers, Wallace and Gerald; and his former spouse, Diane Moran.

He is survived by his brother, Robert Martella (Ann Martella), and by his spouse, Kristie Martella (Kausen).

He is also survived by his six children:

Heidi Pietrok (Martella),
JP Martella (Marcy),
Jeff Martella (Holly Lucas-Martella),
Candice Martella,
Jessica Martella (Heath Hilton),
and Shilo Martella.

His grandchildren include:

Lanaie Baker (Martella),
Travis Martella,
Ashley Gleason (Martella),
Koby Martella,
Andrena Diven (Martella),
Taylor Pietrok,
Avery Fockaert,
and Jayce Fockaert.

Service details will be announced at a later date; the service is anticipated to take place in late February or early March.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Glenn Martella’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.