Martin R. Kirkham

ROCHESTER, MN; Martin R. Kirkham, 65, died Monday, June 17, 2013 at St. Marys Hospital. Martin Ralph Kirkham was born December 17, 1947 in Rochester to Newton and Dorothy (Ziemann) Kirkham. He grew up in Forestville and Racine, MN, and graduated from Stewartville High School. In 1972, he married Pat L. and later divorced in 1981. On May 10, 1986, Martin married Carol Kappauf at Evangel Methodist Church in Rochester. His teen years he worked for the local farmers and helped in the corn and bean fields. He was a veteran of the US Army, proudly serving his country during the Vietnam War. He worked for Don Schreeves Auto Dealership, was a mechanic at Crown Auto for 20 years and then worked at Sears Auto Center until he retired in 2009. He owned a toy business and was an avid toy collector. He loved collecting cars and owned a 1940 Chevy. Martin survived by his wife, Carol; daughter, Jennifer; many cousins and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Newton and Dorothy and by his brother, Russell. A funeral service will be held 1:00pm Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00pm Friday, June 21, 2013 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service. Rev. Jeffrey Utecht will be officiating with interment at Grandview Memorial Gardens. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com