There just wasn’t a heart more beautiful than Kirsten’s. Incredibly kind and funny. She was full of joy and light.

Those of us who were lucky enough to know her well were blessed to have a friend for all occasions. She made everything, even the darkest things, seem easier.

If love and laughter were a cure, she could have lived forever.

Kirsten Elise (Danielson) Martin was born to Felicia and John Danielson as the first daughter, joining brothers Brian & Steve, on October 8, 1962, in Story City, Iowa. When she was a young child her father passed away.

In 1970, her mother remarried Joe Duffy, who has been an incredible father ever since. Shortly after, her younger sister, Alyson, was born.

In high school, she was a part of the band, winning a competition that allowed them to travel across several European countries.

As a 1981 Marshalltown graduate, she was a part of one of the largest classes the school has ever seen.

Being the social butterfly Kirsten was, she had also maintained several friendships from high school. Some of them she had grown to be exceptionally grateful for over these last few years.

After high school she went on to get her Associate’s Degree from AIB and started work in banking.

In 1987, she married Frank Martin and together they had a son, her pride and joy, Royce. Later, they amicably divorced.

She was most proud of her Bachelor’s Degree from Upper Iowa University that she completed as a single mom with a full-time job.

Kirsten also went on to battle kidney disease. In 2009, friend Dena Lopez gave Kirsten the gift of a new kidney and subsequently 15 more beautiful years of life.

She also spent some time living in Texas to be near her parents, where she went to school and became a licensed massage therapist, worked in mortgage and gathered more friends.

In 2018, Royce made Kirsten proud again when he made her a grandma to a little girl, Charlie.

Kirsten loved to spend time with her family and friends and enjoyed traveling and making memories with her closest girlfriends as much as possible. She also enjoyed making and selling her own jewelry, Kirsten’s Kreations.

Kirsten was an employee of Thrive Mortgage.

On March 26th, 2022, Kirsten was finally freed from a long courageous battle with breast cancer.

Kirsten was so much more than her achievements.

She was light. She was joy. She was optimism.

She made friends absolutely everywhere she went and she never met a stranger. She will be sorely missed by those who knew her.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 8, 2022, on Kirsten’s 60th Birthday- details to follow. Memorial contributions can be made to Can Do Cancer or Breast Cancer Prevention Partners in Kirsten’s name. Condolences can be sent to Royce Martin at 709 NW Stratford Ct, Ankeny, IA 50023.

Kirsten was preceded in death by her father John Danielson, grandparents Linn & Irene Danielson and Rev. AB & Naomi Solberg.

Kirsten is survived by her son, Royce (Jackie) Martin, of Ankeny, Granddaughter, Charlie. Parents Joe and Felicia Duffy, of Marshalltown and formerly of Georgetown, Texas. Brothers Brian (Kayla) Danielson, of Marshalltown, Steve Danielson, of Dallas, Texas, sister Alyson (David) Hicks, of Marshalltown, nephews; John (Casey) Danielson, of Marshalltown, Cole (Amber) Danielson, of Marshalltown, and Evan Hicks, of Marshalltown, niece Jillian Hicks, of Marshalltown. Great nephews; Tate Danielson and Finn Danielson, great nieces Genesis and Zoey Danielson, several aunts, uncles and cousins, and too many friends to count.