Kathy Martin, age 75, of Cottonwood, Minnesota passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Fieldcrest Assisted Living in Cottonwood. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, April 5, 2024 at 6:30 PM at the Cottonwood Community Center. Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 6:30 PM also on Friday at the Cottonwood Community Center. A private family burial will be held at Christ Lutheran Cemetery. The family is hoping that attendees will wear their MN Vikings or Lakeview sports gear. Memorials may be directed to the Cottonwood Ambulance which Kathy was a part of for 35 years. Arrangements are with Wing-Bain Funeral Home of Granite Falls.
Kathleen “Kathy” Louise Martin was born to Thomas and Edna (Johnson) Aunoien on November 11, 1948, in Clarkfield, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed in her faith at Christ Lutheran Church in Cottonwood, Minnesota. Kathy attended school in Cottonwood, where she enjoyed Marching Band and Choir in high school, graduating in 1966. After high school, Kathy started working at Loren’s Shoe Store in Marshall. In August of 1968, she married Alan Martin and together they raised two daughters, Shannon & Kelly. They also ran several local businesses including, Martin Sanitary Service, Martin White Knight Limousine & Gold Dust Woodchips. In 1976, Kathy became the Executive Director for the Cottonwood Public Housing and Redevelopment Authority. She took great pride helping people in her work there and she had high standards in how her buildings were managed. Another large piece of Kathy’s life, was her dedication to the Cottonwood Ambulance. She started in 1976, and in those days the department was volunteer. Kathy served both as Chair and Vice Chair for the group and was a registered EMT. She gave 35 years to the community of Cottonwood, helping those who were in need. Kathy’s favorite hobby was her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved having them over for sleepovers, helping with homework, movie dates & following them in all their activities. Kathy loved her snacks and will forever be known for her lefse, brownies and delicious gravy. She loved watching Sci-Fi and the Minnesota Vikings…she loved to talk football! Kathy always had a dog for a companion and these recent years, Heidi and Toby were her canine partners-in-crime. Kathy was a feisty, proud Norwegian and extremely organized. She is now advocating in heaven, negotiating a Superbowl win for the Minnesota Vikings.
Kathy is survived by her daughters, Shannon (Dave) Geihl of Cottonwood, Kelly (Joe) Kimpe of Minneota; grandchildren, Zac (Laura) Fischer, Thomas Geihl, Jarrett (fiancée, Kailey Larson) Geihl, Stephanie (fiancée Zac Almjeld) Kimpe, Brenden Kimpe, Isabelle Kimpe; great-grandchildren, Mally Fischer, Collins Fischer, Kennedy Fischer, Ezekiel Almjeld, sister, Pam (Merlin) Voigt of Waukee, IA; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Edna Aunoien; brother, Alan Aunoien; canine kids, Heidi and Toby.
