Karilyn Kay (Tell) Martinsen

Karilyn Kay Martinsen, 83, of Aitkin died peacefully on Friday, March 27, 2026, as she was cared for by family and friends at the St. Cloud Hospital.

Karilyn was born on June 13, 1942 in Eagle Bend, MN, the daughter of Clarence and Crystal (Johnson) Tell. She attended a small country school in Eagle Bend, MN and graduated from Eagle Bend High School, where she played flute in the band. She then attended St. Cloud State with a BS in Elementary Education. She taught in the Osseo School District #279 for 5 years. On July 20, 1963 she was united in marriage to Paul (Toby) Martinsen in a small Lutheran church in Eagle Bend, MN. They had 62 wonderful years together and raised two children, Tammy & Timothy. She loved spending time with family and friends, especially her 2 granddaughters, Kally & Daisy Martinsen. She loved playing games and baking with them and loved having them up for a week at a time. She also loved to garden, baking/cooking, sewing, playing cards & games, traveling with Paul and entertaining family & friends at her home. She was an avid volunteer at First Lutheran. She was involved with WELCA, Global Missions, kitchen ministries, helped in the office, food shelf and sang in the choir. Years before moving up to Aitkin she took a mission trip to Nigeria. She had the time of her life. That trip made an impact on her. Karilyn was also a very caring person and would help anyone who needed help. She loved helping people.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Crystal (Johnson) Tell, and sister, Sharon Line. 

She is survived by husband, Paul Martinsen, children, Tammy Clos of Aitkin and Timothy (Jeannie), Isanti, granddaughters: Kally Martinsen of Mora and Daisy Martinsen of Isanti, brother: Curtis Tell (Diane), of Orlando FL., and many special nieces, nephews and friends.  Forever loved and never forgotten!!         

A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 11 AM in First Lutheran Church, Aitkin with Pastor Doug Larson officiating.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church.  A luncheon will immediately follow the service.  Interment will be in Bennettville Cemetery at a later date.  To leave a message of condolence, please visit:  www.srtfuneral.com.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Aitkin.                                                               

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