Martin James Yellowbank, Nųųx Mąąnį– Walks on Ice, proud member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, born on November 23, 1944, in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. He was born to Isaac Yellowbank and Alice Carley and was the last surviving sibling in a large, deeply rooted family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Robert and James Yellowbank; and his sisters Lois Carley, Frieda O’Brien Decorah, Charlotte Walker, Mildred Walker, Jeanette Yellowbank, Fern Yellowbank, Jeannie Yellowbank, and Judy Yellowbank.
Martin walked a long, winding road filled with challenges, healing, laughter, and service. With deep pride, he celebrated 43 years of sobriety—an achievement that became a cornerstone of his life. His journey led him to work as an AODA counselor and cook at the St. Augustine Center in Chicago, where he helped others find their own path to recovery. His guidance didn’t end there—he continued counseling and supporting others well into his later years.
He made his home in many places over the years—Wyeville, WI; Chicago, IL; Baraboo, WI; and Tomah, WI—each community touched by his presence and his unwavering spirit.
Martin had a heart as big as his voice. He loved music, karaoke, and singing. He wrote poetry with soul and expressed himself through art. He could light up a room—especially if that room had women in it. Martin was a lifelong flirt, charming everyone from nursing staff to bingo buddies with that unmistakable sparkle in his eye.
He found joy in simple pleasures—bingo, casino trips, good conversations, and making people laugh. He often told parents, with a knowing grin and the biggest smile that “kids aren’t naughty — they’re just playful.” That blend of compassion, wit, and old-school charm made him truly one of a kind.
He spent his final days under the compassionate care of the Tomah Nursing and Rehab and St. Croix Hospice staff, for whom he had nothing but kind words and heartfelt gratitude. Their respect and kindness did not go unnoticed by him—or unappreciated by his family.
Martin is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, extending all the way to his great-great-grandnephew—a legacy of love, stories, and strength that continues through generations.
Martin James Yellowbank lived a life of resilience, joy, mischief, and meaning. His humor, wisdom, and presence will be deeply missed and warmly remembered by all who had the honor of knowing him.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. (NOON) at the Blue Wing Community Center in Tomah. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until Noon. Burial will follow in the Mission Church Cemetery in Black River Falls. A traditional meal will be held on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at Blue Wing Community Center. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
