On the evening of November 11, 2020, another soul enter God’s kingdom and Covid-19 stole another family’s loved one.
Carmy is survived by son Shawn Martin of Andover, MN; daughter Kelly Boyer (Chris) of Blaine, MN; daughter Jennifer Norquist (Ben) of Baxter, MN; Grandsons Jack Norquist, Luke Norquist and Reed Norquist; Granddaughter Bailey Boyer; step grandson C.J. Boyer; great-grandson Tyler Boyer; sister Cordelia Alfaro of Nagog Woods, MA; brother-in-law Bill Cress of Hastings, MN, and many much-loved cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years Bill Martin; parents Frank and Blanche Kuhn; brother Peter and wife Ginger; sister Becky and husband Mike; sister Myrna; sister-in-law Ardith and husband Wally; brother-in-law Duane and wife Earline; and brother-in-law Lee and wife Sybil.
Carmy was born in the Village of Forest, WI, on August 26, 1932, on her grandparents Herman and Anna Kuhn’s farm. She was the first of 5 children--four girls and a boy. She grew up in the Forest area and graduated from Clear Lake High School in WI.
After graduation, she moved to St. Paul, MN, and worked as a key punch operator for Brown and Bigalow. Eventually she met and married her roommate’s cousin, Bill, in 1954. In 1956, they bought a brand new Orin Thompson home on Larch Street in Coon Rapids, MN, which is where they raised their three children. Carmy was a homemaker but found ways to supplement the family’s income. She was one of the area’s most successful Avon salespeople (back in the days when sales representatives carried their cases door-to-door).
Carmy worked as a volunteer and eventual employee for Camp Fire Girls, Inc. She ran their annual candy and magazine sales in the winter and was director of their day camp, Camp Tawanki, in the summer. She was also group leader for both her daughters.
For many years, Bill and Carmy spent their summer weekends camping at Shady River Campground in Big Lake, MN. After Bill’s death in 1999, Carmy started traveling. She travelled to many countries (including Norway, Russia, China and Israel) and also enjoyed several US bus tours.
Carmy’s hands were never idle. She was a talented needle worker and won several ribbons for her beautiful crochet work. Carmy was also a life-long ardent reader who enjoyed discussing and sharing her beloved books with all those around her.
She was a charter member of Peace Lutheran Church in Coon Rapids and attended for 60 years. Members grew accustomed to seeing her in the up-front pews. At coffee time before and after service, they often enjoyed her quick wit and occasional sassiness. She was a frequent church volunteer, helping wherever a strong, organized woman was needed.
Carmy lived a very full, active life and made the best of her 88 years. She loved spending time with friends, adored her four grandchildren, gave wonderful lives to several pets, and enjoyed classical music, live theater, film and the occasional baseball game. She lived her life to the fullest and will be so sorely missed by the many she touched.
The family is having a private graveside service. A funeral at Peace Lutheran Church will be held at a later date. The family wishes to thank the compassionate end-of-life care given by the professionals at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, MN.
