Martha F. Kimm

Marengo- Martha Frances Kimm was born August 11, 1929, the daughter of Frank and Emma (Staskall) Vislisel, on her family farm in Solon, Iowa. Martha attended Solon Schools. Martha was united in marriage to Martin Dean Kimm on November 18, 1947 in Solon Iowa at St. Bridgetts Catholic Church. Martha passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at Rose Haven Nursing in Marengo at the age of 96 years old.

Martha worked at Rose Haven Nursing Home, Big G Foods, Driving School Bus, and helping on the family farm. She enjoyed spending time with family, canning, working on the farm, and tending to her large garden and flowers. Martha was a member of the Altar & Rosary at St. Patrick’s Church in Marengo, and an Auxiliary Member at the Marengo Legion Hall.

Martha, known to everyone who loved her as “Bubby,” filled every room with laughter and a touch of mischief. Many of you have either been a part of her pranks or have been on the receiving end of them; either way, you knew just how much she loved to have fun. You always knew she had been nearby if you suddenly found a clothespin clipped to your sleeve—her signature joke—and she kept a paper bag tucked in her purse at all times, just in case she met someone new to share that joke with. Halloween was her favorite Holiday; she ran her own costume shop and delighted neighborhood children with her famous homemade popcorn balls. But her favorite season of all was parade season. She spent the entire year dreaming up ideas and crafting her elaborate floats, pouring her whole heart into bringing joy to her community. The life of every party, Bubby entertained friends and strangers alike with her songs, jokes, and radiant spirit. Her humor, creativity, and boundless warmth leave behind memories as colorful and unforgettable as her parades.

She is survived by her children Marvin ( Leslie) Kimm of Mapleton, MN, Vincent (Diana) Kimm of Marengo, Bruce (Natalie) Kimm of Cedar Falls, Daughter-in-Law Patty Kimm; grandchildren Chris Rodman, Travis(Jackie) Fiser, Deena (Darrin) Folkerts, Laura (Andy) Kimm, Ryan (Anna) Kimm, Whitney (Travis) Eister, Wade Kimm, Makenzie (Aaron) Kimm, Katie (Jonathan) Rewitzer, Jennifer Kimm, Layla (Dan) Zimmer and great grandchildren Claire Folkerts, Gabe Fiser, Joe Folkerts, Alexa Fiser, Natalie Folkerts, Carter (Celia) Rodman, Quinnie (David) Wolfe, Emma Rodman, Skye Rodman, August Kimm, Andi Kimm, Oakley Rewitzer, Elliot Rewitzer, Audrey Rewitzer, River Barrows, Cooper Eister, Harrison Eister, Easton Brant, Harper Kimm, Cruz Kimm, Harper Zimmer, & Cash Zimmer. Her brother Joseph (Judy) Vislisel, sister-in-law Audrey (Ron) Yardley, and many nephews, nieces, & wonderful friends.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband Martin Dean Kimm, her children Larry Dean Kimm & Laurene “Reenie” Fiser, her granddaughter Christine Rodman, her parents Frank & Emma Vislisel, her sister Margaret Slusher, and her brother Francis Vislisel.

We are beyond thankful to all the staff at Rose Haven Nursing Home and Essence of Life Hospice. You were all so wonderful, and we deeply appreciate everything you have done. Your compassion, kindness, and care brought comfort not only to Martha, but to all of us who loved her.

A Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am Saturday, December 6, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Marengo. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 pm Friday, December 5, 2025, with a Rosary Service at 3:00 pm all at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Marengo. A memorial fund has been established for the Marengo American Legion Post 76. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Marengo is caring for Martha and her family. Messages maybe left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.