Kevin V. “Op” Athmann, 45, of Freeport, passed away after a courageous and dignified battle with acute myeloid leukemia May 16, 2024, at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud. He was sent into the arms of God embraced by the love of family that surrounded him.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany with the Rev. Edward Vebelun, O.S.B., officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation was 4-8 p.m. May 21 and 9-10 a.m. May 22 at Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose.
Kevin Vernon Athmann was born Feb. 17, 1979, in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, to Vernon and Diane (Massmann) Athmann. He graduated from Sauk Centre High School in 1997. He was united in marriage to Sarah Mueller Aug. 18, 2001, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose. Kevin was a welder/fabricator that dedicated the majority of his working career to Felling Trailers in Sauk Centre. He also worked at Rotochopper and most recently at Standard Iron. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, camping, engaging in shenanigans at the cabin, snowmobiling and four-wheeling. Kevin loved spending time with his friends and extended family, but nothing meant more to him than his wife and kids. He was always the proud dad in the front row, taking photos and videos at Kylie’s dance competitions and Peyton’s basketball games and motocross races. He was also the best pit man a son could ask for.
Survivors include his loving wife and best friend of 23 years, Sarah Athmann of Freeport; children Kylie and Peyton Athmann, both at home; parents Vern and Diane Athmann of Sauk Centre; sister Kari (Darin) Thompson of Alexandria; grandmother Bernice Massmann of Sauk Centre; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Kevin was preceded in death by his grandparents, Erwin “Erv” Massmann and Arnold and Irene Athmann.
In honor of Kevin, please wear something comfortable to the visitation. Please don’t dress up. Camouflage, motocross or snowmobile gear and jeans were his thing.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Melrose.
