Martha Clare Casey

Martha “Mitsy” Clare Casey peacefully passed on to her heavenly home on Sunday, December 22, 2024, leaving a legacy of kindness and hope for many years to come. 

Mitsy was born in Crookston, Minnesota, on January 27, 1939, to Kenneth and Minnie "Jean" Jeanette Johnstad. Along with her younger brother, Robert, their family settled in Mahnomen, Minnesota, where she graduated from high school. Mitsy often recalled cherished memories of her time spent at the Bridgeman Dairy her father owned and operated throughout her childhood. 

After high school, Mitsy attended Moorhead State University to study elementary education. It was there that she met the love of her life, Matt Casey, and the couple married on August 12, 1961, in Mahnomen. Following graduation, both worked as teachers and lived in Moorhead, Glencoe, Fergus Falls, and Mahnomen before establishing their roots in Detroit Lakes in 1971. Together, they raised five daughters. Eventually, they realized their dream of lake living when they built their home on Fox Lake in 1993. 

One of Mitsy’s many contributions was her gift of music. She played the piano effortlessly with the heart of a true virtuoso, genuinely feeling the melodies and harmonies deep inside her soul. Even when she wasn’t playing for a congregation, the music that flowed from her fingers was an inspiration to anyone who was fortunate enough to hear her play. 

Mitsy was a devoted and active member of the Congregational Church in Detroit Lakes for more than 50 years, where she blended her strong faith and passion for music by playing the piano and directing and singing in the church choir. She especially enjoyed her later years as a member of the church worship band. Mitsy's favorite time of year was the Christmas season, playing the piano for nearly every Christmas Eve service for more than 40 years. She also managed the church’s administrative office for more than 20 years. 

Giving back and making the world a better place was of utmost importance to Mitsy. She was a proud ally to the LGBTQ+ community, always advancing the mission of local advocacy groups. Mitsy also participated in countless fundraising efforts, including support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, environmental conservation organizations, CROP Hunger Walk, and many more organizations focused on human rights and equity. 

With open arms, Mitsy lived her life with compassion, love, and joy every day, making room in her heart for every person she met. She meant so much to so many people, and every one of those people meant the world to her. If you knew Mitsy, you loved her, and she truly loved you. 

Mitsy is survived by her husband of 63 years, Matt, and daughters and sons-in-law Lynn Olson (Keith), Lori Nustad (Andy), Lisa Nelson (David), Debra Casey, and Dana Casey (Patrick), ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. 

The family wishes to thank the staff at Emmanuel Community's Cottage and Hospice of the Red River Valley. We will forever be grateful for their care and compassion. 

A celebration of Mitsy’s life and legacy will be held May 16, 2025, at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Detroit Lakes. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Congregational United Church of Christ of Detroit Lakes Foundation or your local human rights nonprofit organization.