Martin David Burkel, age 85, of Madison, formerly of Bayfield, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026. He was surrounded by his family. Martin was born on November 2, 1940, in Ogema, Minnesota, the son of John and Pauline (Thorsen) Burkel. 

He grew up farming in the Red River Valley area near Ulen, Minnesota. After a summer working at Yellowstone, Marty graduated from Ulen High School in 1957, then enlisted in the United States Air Force. He later attended Moorhead State College in Minnesota where he met the love of his life, Sheryl Gjerde. The two were united in marriage on June 19, 1965. This marriage was blessed with two daughters.

Martin and Sheryl eventually made their home in Wisconsin. He began his career as a high school biology teacher, dedicating thirteen years to education before returning to college in 1979 to pursue his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Marty spent the remainder of his professional life caring for animals and serving the families who called upon him.

As a devoted member of Bethesda Lutheran Church in Bayfield, he believed in serving the Lord by helping others. He prioritized activism and volunteering. He was a Minnesota Education Association leader. He worked at Madison's Habitat for Humanity for over 10 years, Lutheran Disaster Relief sites, and Bayfield area trail projects. Marty was an everyday example of Micah 6:8: Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

Marty was deeply family-oriented. He enjoyed taking his family on camping trips and experiencing outdoor adventures together. As an avid bicyclist, hiker and marathon runner, he competed in many challenging events including skiing the American Birkebeiner. He also loved canoeing and spending time in nature. He was known to wake the girls in the middle of the night to go outside to view the northern lights or cross country ski under the Christmas Eve moon.

Marty was also adventurous in the kitchen and loved to experiment with new recipes from around the world. He enjoyed teaching his sons-in-law how to make Christmas paella.

Marty and Sheryl played and taught Bridge lessons together. He also shared his love of reading, card playing, and solving puzzles with his daughters and grandchildren. He enjoyed new challenges.

Known for his kind and calm demeanor, his wife often remarked, "Who wouldn't like Marty?" He was creative– a poet, a musician who taught himself to play banjo, and a lover of bluegrass music. He bought his first motorcycle at age 60 and loved the freedom it brought.

His faith journey remained important throughout his life. From summers working at Camp Minnewakan, teaching youth at church, to attending Stephen Ministry School, Marty sought to deepen his understanding of spirituality and strengthen his commitment to serve others. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; baby brother; sister, Patricia (Dennis) Sweep; brother, Gene (Kay) Burkel; brother-in-law, Coby Derdzinske.

He is survived by his wife, Sheryl; daughters, Rachel (Phil) Peterson, Leah (Mark) Sawicki; grandchildren: Sam (Caitie) Peterson, Libby Peterson, Noah Sawicki and Ella Sawicki; brother, Jack (Marlene) Burkel; sister, Elizabeth Derdzinske; several nieces, nephews along with other relatives and friends.

A service celebrating the life of Martin D. Burkel will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 109 S 6th Street, Bayfield, WI 54814. Pastor Connie Munson will officiate. Visitation will be held on May 16, from 10:00 am until the time of the service at the church. Internment will take place in the Good Shepherd Verona Campus Columbarium at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethesda Lutheran Church, Habitat for Humanity or a charity of choice that would be fitting for Marty.