Marshall "Marty" Kottke

It is with full and broken hearts that the family of Marshall "Marty" Kottke announces he has gone home to heaven. He slept peacefully through the night, and early on the morning of Thursday, April 23rd, 2026, beloved family gathered at his bedside as he took his last breath, a gentle, sweet sigh. It was a sacred moment, filled with love and peace.

Marty grew up in Owatonna, Minnesota, the youngest of four, surrounded by the steady love of his parents, siblings, and grandparents. Some of his most treasured memories were at the family cabin on Beaver Lake. It was in Owatonna where he formed the deep friendships that became his "Owatonna gang," a group that remained by his side through every season of life, including his final days. He carried those roots with him wherever he went, building a life defined by connection, loyalty, and joy.

Marty attended Luther College, where he earned a degree in Business Management and built another circle of lifelong friends. After college, his adventurous spirit led him to spend two years traveling the world with Up With People, forming lasting bonds across the country and around the globe. He went on to spend 23 years in manufacturing sales, earning the respect of colleagues and clients through his integrity and dedication. In later years, he found great fulfillment serving as a director of a family office, a role that combined his strengths in leadership with his care for others.

Marty's greatest calling began when he met Carrie while volunteering with Young Life. Together, they spent 30 years investing in the lives of young people. After years of hoping to grow their family, they were overjoyed to welcome their sons, Ben and Nick. Beyond their family, Marty and Carrie created a wide circle of belonging, encouragement, and love. Known for his compassion, kindness, and sincerity, Marty left a lasting impression on everyone he met, and his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.

Marty is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Faye; as well as father-in-law Tom Conlin. He is survived by loving wife of 33 years, Carrie; sons Ben (Hannah Cochlin) and Nick; siblings Michelle, Mark (Cindy), and Matthew (Lisa); 16 nieces and nephews; 10 brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many other loved family members and friends.

A Visitation will be held at MUELLER MEMORIAL 4738 Bald Eagle Ave, White Bear Lake on Sunday, May 3rd from 4-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST ODILIA CATHOLIC CHURCH 3495 Victoria St. N, Shoreview at 11 AM on Monday, May 4 with visitation beginning one hour prior.

The family encourages you to share cherished photos and memories of Marty in the digital guestbook below.