September 28, 1955 – July 19, 2020
Martin Paul McKeown was born in St. Louis Park, MN, on September 28, 1955. He passed away peacefully at home on July 18, 2020, in Albertville, MN.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 28 at 10 a.m. with visitation at 9 a.m. at Westbridge Church 11600 Frankfort Parkway, St. Michael, MN. Peterson Chapel is in charge of arrangements. A livestream of the service will be available on Facebook.
Marty graduated from Montevideo High School in 1974 and hired on with the Milwaukee Railroad two weeks later after his father handed him a job application saying, “Fill it out.” In 1978, he transferred to BNSF Railroad, moving to Willmar, Minnesota.
He married Sandra Kvanli in Montevideo on June 23, 1979.
In 1980, he moved his young family to Sioux City, Iowa, for consistent work with BNSF, then moved again to Albertville, Minnesota, in 2010, when he transferred to the Fridley hub. In 2012 he started working on the NorthStar commuter train, where he enjoyed interacting with daily commuters. Marty and his wife were in extended negotiations on when the retirement date would be at the time of his death.
A natural athlete, Marty spent many hours riding his 10-speed bike, the week before he died, amassing 145 miles.
He was active in his church, volunteering with the Royal Rangers program for 20 years, as well as teaching adult Sunday school classes and co-teaching pre-marriage classes with his wife.
Marty was a fun-loving guy who frequently found ways to look on the bright side and especially enjoyed “pulling a few legs.” His quick wit, combined with always willing hands, made him a team player everyone wanted on their side. The day he died, it became clear God wanted Marty on His side.
Survivors include his wife and five children: Jacob (Kristi), Matthew (Amanda), Simon (Kim), Tadd (Ashley), and Mycah. Grandchildren: Kassie, Will, Josiah, Lilly, Sophia, Alayna and one more expected in December 2020. Siblings: Faye Cavanaugh, Debbie (Jack) Daughters, Sue (Denny) Thorson, Pat (Terri) McKeown, Cindy (Doug) Gregoire, Lisa (Kelly) Thompson, and Lori (Doug) Galuk.
Preceded in death by his parents: William and Deborah McKeown; and brother-in-law, Dave Cavanaugh.
Many nieces, nephews and cousins, all of whom he teased whenever the opportunity arose, also survive him. Recently Marty was referred to as: Everyone’s favorite cousin.
Marty was also renowned for his skilled popcorn-making abilities. His grandchildren lovingly calling it “Poppa-corn.”
In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted at Fathers for the Fatherless, to help feed, clothe and shelter fatherless children in need at https://venturemiles.org/myVM/Marty
Dear Sandy and family
I am so sorry for your loss
Live and prayers
Dear Sandy and Family:
We are so sorry for your great loss. You had a fantastic husband and father and we know he would never have chosen to leave you so soon. May the fact that we know you will see him again someday and that he is in a wonderful place bring you some kind of comfort in this time.
Sandy & Family,
May you find comfort in each other. Marty was a gentle and kind man from knowing him as little as i did. Thinking and praying for all of you. Love, Inez
Marty was a great conductor. Always was happy to see me, greeted me with a smile and cared about me and anyone else he came into contact with. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this hard time.
Sandy… Today, as I write this, I’m so very sad for you and the family, yet I praise God for the privilege of knowing you and Marty, and the incredible witness of love and marriage the two of you showed to all who knew you both. In love and laughter, and in togetherness, the two of you hurdled over all of life’s problems. Parenthood, my goodness, your stories created a legacy in your family. I wish I lived where I could see you, but I will phone you next month. I am praying for God’s presence and power, and Marty’s sustaining love, to comfort you in the coming days and forevermore. Sending love to you my friend. Judy
Dear Sandy & Family,
My heart is heavy for you all. I’m praying for God’s constant & perfect peace during this time!
Love & Prayers,
Karen Rasefske
I am so very sorry for your loss. I met Marty on the NorthStar and he always made the commute a fun one. He had a smile for everyone and kept us all in good spirits, even when we were running behind.
I will keep your family in my prayers.
We have so many fond memories of Marty! His wit, humor, kindness, and friendship will be cherished. We pray you are finding some comfort in your memories, too.
We love you and continue to hold you close in our thoughts and prayers.
Sandy, we are so glad we know where he is, but sad that you have to go through this. I had to laugh out loud reading above that you guys were in “extended negotiations” over his retirement. Sounds like Marty for sure! Hugs and prayers.
I always enjoyed working with Marty whenever I got to fill in as an engineer on Northstar. He always had a good story to tell about how it used to be on the railroad with characters who retired long ago and amazed he could still remember their names. Thoughts and prayers to his family in this tough time. He will be missed
I am saddened to hear about Marty’s passing. He was one of my favorite Conductors on the Northstar always in a cheerful mood. Always holding the door open when he saw me running a little late to the train, I was always very grateful when I did not have to wait for the next train. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family..I feel like I lost a part of my family. I saw Marty on the train every morning and he was such a kind man ” a ray of sunshine” He will be missed beyond measure
We are so sad at the passing of Marty. He will be greatly missed by his neighborhood “family.” Sandy, remember we are all here for you!
Dear Sandy and Family,
Sending my prayers and deepest sympathy. I looked forward to every morning commute and every evening commute with him on the Northstar. He was a true genuine gentleman. I can hear the Northstar horn from my house and think of Marty every time.
Sandy and family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Marty’s passing. You were a great team and a wonderful role model for how marriage should work. A heavenly reunion will take place someday! Prayers of comfort coming your way.
Mycah and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot describe the emotion and grief felt. I have so many memories of Marty as I was growing up with Mycah. Memories of countless summer nights including convertible rides, many hours spent in “his shop” carving old pine wood derby cars while wearing rollerblades, special popcorn, and the endless amounts of pranks and “dad jokes”. They will forever be in my memory. Marty was such an amazing story teller and had a heart of pure GOLD. His smile just made you smile.
I am so thankful for our faith in Jesus and to know that we will see him again when we are all reunited in heaven.
My love and prayers to you as you walk through this difficult time.
I so wish I could be with you all to celebrate the amazing life that Marty led and show all my love to his outstanding family.
His love for life and for other people was always such a joy to be around. I am forever grateful for the summer I lived in Sioux City and was able to become part of your family!
All my love to you all. Even though we would rather them be here with us, I am brought comfort by knowing my mom and Marty are sharing stories about me in Heaven as they are His amazing presence.
Sandy and family.
Bryon and I are so sad to hear of Marty’s passing. He was a good man and we will never forget the marriage advice you and Marty gave us.
So thankful he is with Jesus in heaven.
Love and prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Dear Sandy and family, sorry to read about Marty, he was a beautiful person. I knew Marty and his family when he and Pat worked with me at Zenk Drug in Montivedo during his high school days. I probably met you sometime ago, either in Montivedo or Sioux City; I moved to Sioux City in 1975. May God bless you, Marty and his wonderful family. Bill Sievers