Obituary for Kathleen “Kate” Ann Martin

Kathleen “Kate” Ann Martin, 81, of Sturgeon Bay, passed in the comfort of her home, Tuesday morning, July 8, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Kate was born in Milwaukee, the daughter of Amor William Martin and Fern Ruth (Wilke) Martin. She grew up in Pewaukee where she attended grade school and high school.

Kate met her first husband, Robert La Paz, in Pewaukee, where he also grew up. They were married in 1964. Robert and Kate made their home in Waukesha and had three children together: Robert, William, and Rebecca.

She met her second husband, Duane Warren, while working at Dairyland Fuels in Waukesha as an Office Manager. They retired together to Pewaukee. Kate and Duane enjoyed traveling together throughout the 50 states until his passing on June 25, 2009.

She then relocated to Door County to be with her daughter and grandchildren. While in Door County, Kate met many friends whom she continued her traveling adventures with. She loved riding with Babbler Busses and Carefree Travel all over the United States.

Kate constantly remarked how lucky she was to be surrounded by the beauty of Door County. She will always be remembered for her kindness, strength and generosity to her family and friends.

We will miss her every day. Kate’s memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her: children, Rebecca (Doug) McDowell of the Town of Sturgeon Bay and Robert LaPaz of Beacon, NY; grandchildren, Olivia LaPaz, Megan Horace, Megan McDowell, Sean (Moriah) McDowell, and Payton McDowell; siblings Dan (Sue) Martin of the Village of Lannon, Patrick (JoAnne) Martin of New Jersey, Tim (Donna) Martin of Titusville, FL, Mike (Deb) Martin of Michigan, Tom Martin, and Kevin Martin; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; son, William LaPaz (2019); daughter-in-law, Lisa LaPaz (2022); sister Sue Martin (2008); aunts and uncles; and other relatives and friends.

Kate will be laid to rest in Fancy Creek Cemetery in the Town of Marshall, beside her husband, Duane, with a private committal.

Memorials may be given in her honor for DOOR CANcer, Inc. (P.O. Box 423, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235).

“Our family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the staffs of Door County Medical Center, Green Bay Oncology, and Unity Hospice for all of their help with Kate’s journey the last 10 years with her battle with cancer.”

Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC in Sturgeon Bay are assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Kate may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.

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