Martha Dorothy Kesti

Martha D. Kesti, age 91, died unexpectedly at her home on Chub Lake near Carlton, MN on July 9, 2014. She lived every moment of her life to the fullest, and was ready to go home to meet her precious Savior. Martha was born on January 25, 1923, in her parents' warm sauna. She was the last of Fred and Kaisa Koski's eight children. Martha attended college in Duluth, MN and taught in several small rural schools before settling in Esko. While there, she met Benhard Wm. Kesti, son of Hans and Ida Kesti, who she married on March 1, 1952. The Kestis purchased a farm in Halden Township where they remained for 13 years. While living there, Martha continued to teach school and bore two children, Joyce and Marvin. In 1965, Ben and Martha moved their family to Cloquet, MN, where Martha taught at Leach and Washington Elementary Schools. Martha retired from teaching in 1979; then Ben and Martha built their home on Chub Lake. During her 34 years of retirement, Martha savored time with family and dear friends--from senior bowling, quilting group, Bible study, and her other many activities. She also continued to be an avid learner and tried new pursuits: painting, playing the organ, learning to use the computer, traveling (international and domestic), cross-country skiing, and more. Martha was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Alpha Delta Kappa, and Senior Bowling league. Survivors include, her children, Marvin (June) Kesti of Red Wing, and Joyce (Al) Iwasko of Waynesville, OH; grandchildren, Michael (Amy) Kesti of Edina, Ryan Kesti and Katie Kesti of Red Wing; Kristin (Don) Raack of Oak Park, IL; Jessica (Terence) Hunt of Springboro, OH, and AJ Iwasko of Raleigh, NC; great-grandchildren, Elise Raack (5), Carsten Raack (2), and Evan Hunt (1); sisters, Helmi Swanson-Savage of Milaca, and Esther Fisk of Gig Harbor, WA. Martha is also survived by cherished sister-in-law, Martha Kesti, of Carlton, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews around the country. Martha was preceded in death by her dear husband of 39 years, Benhard Wm. Kesti in November of 1991; brothers, Sanfred, August, and Swandi Koski; and sisters, Jennie Williams and Bertha Presthang. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1705 Wilson Ave., Cloquet, Burial was in Hillside Cemetery Carlton, MN. Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Cloquet Education Foundation, and the American Cancer Society or the givers choice.