Martin E. Kotila

Martin E. Kotila, age 83, a longtime area resident, peacefully passed from this life to eternal life at his home on November 21, 2022 with his loving wife at his side.

Martin was born on January 26, 1939 in Kingston, MN to Mike and Selina Kotila.  As a boy he grew up helping on his parent’s farm near French Lake where he helped on their dairy farming operation and attended public school at South Haven, MN.  As a young man, he moved with his family to the Menahga area where he grew to manhood helping on the farm and running a trap line for many years.  He was united in marriage to Martha Haataja on September 20, 1958.  They were blessed with 7 children: James, David, Corinne, Terry, Melvin, Julie and Kathy.  In 1962, they purchased his parent’s farm and he continued farming and trapping.  In addition, he also worked for Menahga Concrete Products for 13 years.  Martin loved the out of doors; especially, when he could be out teaching his boys the secrets of maintaining a successful trapline. 

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Martha; his five children:  James Kotila of Wadena, David Kotila of Park Rapids,  Melvin Kotila of Brainerd, Julie (Ken) Dickenson of Park Rapids, and Kathy (Tony) Moore of Virginia; 9 dearly loved grandchildren and 7 precious great grandchildren; his sister, Wilma; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Martin was preceded in death by his parents; and two children: Corrine and Terry and seven of his siblings.

Funeral services are planned for 2 PM on Monday, November 28, 2022 at the Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home in Menahga with the   Reverend Loren Ferch  officiating. Casket bearers will be:  Ken Dickinson, Cody Fransen, Branson Fransen, Jr. Fransen, Gavin Fransen, Shane Kotila.      Interment will be made in the Menahga City Cemetery.