Thief River Falls – Martha Dunsmore, age 80, died Monday, December 18, 2017 at Essentia Health, Fargo, ND with her loving family at her side.
Funeral service was held on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Burial will be at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at Fairview Cemetery in Renville.
Martha Jane Kleinhuizen was born March 7, 1937 on the family farm near Prinsburg, the daughter of Harold and Irene (Poelstra) Kleinhuizen. She grew up in that area, attended District 38 country school and completed her education at the Central Minnesota Christian School in Prinsburg. She was baptized at 1st Christian Reformed Church in Prinsburg.
Martha moved to Grand Rapids, MI where she went to nursing school. While living in Michigan, Martha became the proud mother to three daughters, Sueann, Patricia Ann and Arlene Ann. She worked at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services in Cutlerville, MI.
In the early 1960s, Martha moved to Renville to be closer to her family. Through the years, Martha made her home in different communities in Minnesota and was blessed with two more daughters, Karen and Jayne.
Martha met the love of her life in 1985, Charlie Dunsmore. They married in 1988 and made their home in Renville. Charlie and his family changed Martha’s life for the better. These were some of the best years of her life. Charlie passed away in 2000 and Martha moved to Thief River Falls to be closer to her family. In doing so, she met Russell Comer and the couple spent many wonderful years together. The family is very grateful that Russell came into her life at a time when she needed it most.
Martha enjoyed playing many practical jokes, making her yard beautiful with flowers, playing bingo, playing the piano, dancing at the VFW on Friday nights, and spending time with her family. She worked hard throughout her life and was a wonderful caregiver.
Survivors include her loving daughters, Sue (Dave) Axel of Grand Rapids, MI, Pat (Larry) Geelhoed of Grand Rapids, MI, Arlene (Lyle) Walseth of Thief River Falls, Karen (Dave) Wilson of Goodridge, and Jayne (Chad) Gobernatz of Moorhead; 22 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; brother, Luverne (Beatrice) Kleinhuizen of Willmar and sisters; Dorothy Blokzyl of Willmar, and Eileen Fritz of Waconia; Charlie’s family; companion Russell Comer and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie; parents; brothers, Wayne, Nicholas, Junior, Donald, Roger, Melvin, Harvey and Wally Kleinhuizen; and sisters, Loretta Mulder and infant Luella.
The family would like to thank the Essentia Hospital staff in Fosston and Fargo for the wonderful care.
Condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
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