Obituary: Kim Martinson
Author: Cindy Martinson
Kim Russell Martinson
August 7, 1951 ~ January 24, 2024
Cindy Martinson
Kim Russell Martinson, age 72, peacefully passed away at his home, with his wife, Cindy, by his side, in Townsend, MT on January 24, 2024, following a courageous three-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Kim was born in the US Army Hospital, Camp Roberts, CA to US Army Private First Class Russell Jonas Martinson and Irene Helene Schilling Martinson. Following his father’s deployment, Irene and their infant son returned home to Terry, MT, where Kim would live until his graduation from Terry High School in 1969.
At an early age, Kim worked for his dad on the family ranch & propane company, as well as a hired hand for neighbors’ farms and ranches. Not having extra time for participating in extracurricular activities in school, Kim played trombone in the Terry High School Band and Pep Band.
Following his high school graduation, Kim enrolled in Northern MT College, Havre, studying Ag Business. Prior to leaving Havre, Kim met his first wife, Jody Ann Beck, of Kremlin, MT. Kim and Jody married in 1972 in Havre.
Two children were born of this marriage, Rune Erik Martinson and Greta Linn Martinson. Kim and Jody later divorced. After completing two years at Northern, Kim transferred to Montana State University in Bozeman, MT. He earned his degree of Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business in 1975.
Kim was a hard worker all of his life, sometimes having to take a semester off from college to fund upcoming semesters. It was with his determination, dedication and work ethic, that he was a success in all of his jobs and career. During his time in Bozeman, Kim worked at Little Chief gas station, MSU Ag station, hauled gravel, drove a cement truck, finished concrete, hauled logs, and eventually went to work for Wally Brownell at Peavey Co. in Belgrade as an Ag salesman.
Kim worked for Con-Agra, following Con Agra’s purchase of Peavey. Here he began his love of Ag Marketing. After several years, he moved his family to McMinnville, OR and began his career as Area Manager for the JR Simplot Company’s Fertilizer Division. His market area included British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Northern California and Idaho.
In 1992, Kim met Cindy McGowan at a wedding in Polson. They dated for two years before being married in Couer d’Alene in 1994. Kim and Cindy built a great life together, making many memories & friends along the way.
Kim went back to work for Con Agra, moving from Tri-Cities, WA to Twin Falls, ID. The move allowed more time with Rune & Greta, also living in ID at the time. At the end of Dec. 1999, Kim moved to Townsend, MT to join Harry Johnson at Townsend Seeds. Kim finished a rewarding career at Townsend Seeds, finally retiring in 2016.
Kim enjoyed fly-fishing with his kids & friends, walleye fishing, golf, camping, riding his 4-wheeler with his dog, and driving a grain truck for the Wilson Ranch during harvest.
Kim is survived by his wife, Cindy of Townsend, mother Irene Martinson of Terry, sister Karri Schliem (Daryl) of Belgrade, brothers Kyle Martinson (Kim) and Kory Martinson (Michele) both of Terry, daughter Greta Frohlich (Will) of Victor, ID, daughter-in-law Patricia Flores of Seattle, along with his grandchildren, Finley Frohlich of Victor, ID, and twins Harriet and Nelsen Martinson of Seattle, along with many nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts & uncles, in-laws and good friends. Kim was pre-deceased by his son Rune Martinson and father Russell Martinson.
Kim’s Celebration of Life will be Saturday, May 4, 2024, from noon to 4 pm at Watson Event Center, 290 Litening Barn Lane, Townsend, MT.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Justin Thomas, Nurse Wendy, Catherine Walgren, PC, and all of the nurses and volunteers at the Bozeman Cancer Center for their expert care and compassion throughout our cancer journey.
Simple Cremation, Helena, MT, assisted the family with Kim’s final arrangements.
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PhotoCredit: Cindy Martinson
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