Martin, Katherine M. “Kate”

Katherine M. “Kate” Martin, On March 31, 2025, surrounded by a small gathering of her family, Kate passed away peacefully to be with The Lord following a series of complications linked to the treatment of underlying health problems.

As a testament to a long and fruitful life, Kate is survived by many.  She is the loving mother of Elizabeth (Marvin) Turner, Thomas Spicuzza, and Clark (Karrie) Martin; the beloved grandmother of Cole (Emiri) Turner, Westan Turner, Haeden Turner, and Frank Spicuzza; the proud great-grandmother of Rev Ludden Turner whom she adored; and the devoted sister of Robert (Marcia nee Olson) Metcalf. Kate is further survived by other relatives, sacred friends, neighbors who will forever hold her in their hearts, and the hundreds of children whose lives she touched and transformed over the years.

Kate was born on October 14, 1939, in Dodgeville to Thomas and Margaret Metcalf.  Kate learned early on that family was one of the cornerstones on which you build your life.  Some of Kate’s cherished childhood memories included family gatherings and celebrations that took the Metcalfs to Wyoming Valley in Spring Green.  She’d reflect with a broad smile about taking Sunday drives—the wonder of the land, the innocence of childhood-- where she played with her cousins at an old hilltop windmill, and in the springtime, she would pick crocuses.

Kate came from a long line of educators and was taught the importance of getting a good education early on.  She was ahead of her time when she initially expressed a desire to be a doctor, an unconventional aspiration for a woman in the 50s and 60s. Eventually, with the encouragement of her family, she decided to continue the family tradition and devoted her time and talents to educating others. 

Once Kate made her career choice, she always gave it her all. Her education and teaching career took her to UW-Madison, Washington State, Alaska, and Brookfield, Wisconsin. During this time, she educated many kids, raised her own, and imparted her values of education, integrity, faith, and the love of nature.

A new chapter of Kate’s life unfolded in the 1980’s.  At this time, she learned that a teaching position was opening at the elementary school in Mineral Point – so close to where she had grown up.  Memories of so many happy times flooded her, and she leaped at the opportunity to move “back home.” In true “Kate” fashion, she didn’t just show up for work every day.  Her desire to help kids led her to further her career by becoming a reading specialist, curriculum developer, and, finally, a beloved school principal.  During this time, Kate also became reacquainted with her old high school sweetheart, William “Billy” Martin.  In time, Billy proposed, and Kate was thrilled to say “yes.”  The two spent time in Hollandale and Ridgeway before settling on a lush stretch of land off QQ in Mineral Point, the place Kate called home until her death.

During the last months of Kate’s life, her family would encourage her to share memories.  She would have “holy moment reflections” about her love of the land, life, and her late husband, Billy – saying, “I remember one night, a late May night, bathed in moonlight and shrouded in the scent of plum blossoms. An image to carry for a lifetime. Dark woods. Brilliant moon, Fragrance, and, above it all…so in love with him.”  She reminisced about young love, a piece of land Northwest of Dodgeville, and a place replete with memories, Harker’s Creek, saying, “Over there near that split rail fence. The hill drops off to the south once you climb it. That’s the spot. So, when I am an old woman, I can still visit here.” And that she did, in her mind, an ongoing testimony to her love of land, place, words, and legacy.

Kate also witnessed many losses in her last few months of life, including the passing of lifelong friends and dear former coworkers. She found comfort in her faith, whispering Psalm 121:1: “I lift up my eyes to the hills---where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

With deep appreciation and gratitude, Kate’s family extends their thanks to the Mineral Point community—especially her neighbors and coworkers—who supported, encouraged, and so loved Kate over the years. They also wish to express a profound “thank you” to Togi—you were Kate’s caregiver to the end, but you were more than a caregiver to her; you were also a friend.

In keeping with Kate’s wishes, her family will celebrate her life and honor her passing privately. 

Kate was not just passionate about education; she loved “her kids.”  She had a stockpile of boots, coats, mittens, and snacks in her school office, saying, “Nothing should get in the way of a good education!” If you wish to honor Kate’s life and continue the legacy she leaves behind, contributions to Mineral Point School District for the "Kate Martin Educational Needs Fund" would be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers.

Mineral Point School District

705 Ross Street

Mineral Point WI 53565

Kate’s love of helping kids learn continued almost to the end of her time here on earth. After her retirement, she tutored kids in her home.  She would gather her students at her kitchen table, where her words of encouragement would follow the scratch of a pencil, “You got it!” It was at this same table that Kate would dine, often alone, to bow her head.

She would want you to know the ending of Psalm 121: “And the LORD will watch over your life; your coming and going both now…and forevermore.”

Amen.

Gorgen Funeral Home

www.gorgenfh.com