The online auction for the custom Team Warrior FT-3 light utility trailer, dedicated to Felling Trailers’ team member Kevin “Op” Athmann, who passed away in May 2024, concluded with a winning bid from Julie Pallow. A cancer warrior herself, Julie was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Large D Cell Lymphoma in 2021 and won her battle in 2022. Feeling a connection to this cause, Julie and her husband, Larry, decided to participate in the auction, ultimately winning with a final bid of $6,000.
All proceeds from the winning bid will go directly to support Kevin’s family as they navigate life without him. This funding will provide critical financial assistance to help his wife, Sarah, and their two children, Kylie and Peyton, cover essential needs such as medical bills, housing costs, and necessary supplies.
Felling Trailers manufactured and painted a custom Sublime Green FT-3 trailer with the Team Warrior emblem to benefit the Athmann (Kevin’s) family. The auction began on February 10th and continued for five days, concluding on February 15th during the Athmann Family Benefit, where many gathered to celebrate Kevin’s 46th heavenly birthday. There was a fair amount of bidding, with lots of back-and-forth action that kept the excitement high. Julie remarked, “We are a little competitive and participate in several charity auctions each year. We always strive to pay a fair price for the items so that the charity can benefit. That intention inspired our bidding.”
Julie, originally from Sauk Centre, grew up on her family’s dairy farm and graduated in the late 1970s. She and her husband, Larry, now reside in Big Lake Township, just outside Elk River, MN. Julie owns a transactional bookkeeping firm, while Larry works as an established engineer. Together, they are blessed to have the means to support fundraisers such as Team Warrior and other programs.
A couple weeks after the auction closed, Julie and Larry arranged to pick up their new trailer. During this time, they also had the opportunity to meet Kevin’s wife, Sarah, and their children, Kylie and Peyton, and enjoyed a friendly visit. “The trailer will be put to good use for hauling our four-wheeler, tree trimmings, and leaves for composting,” Julie stated. “For anyone battling cancer, it’s a journey, and having the right people to support you makes a world of difference.”
Kevin’s journey began in January 2020 when he was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma. He and his family navigated through the treatment process, and by late 2020, he was declared cancer-free. Unfortunately, in 2024, Kevin’s cancer returned, and he faced the disease with great courage for a second time. Kevin “Op” Athmann passed away in May 2024 after battling acute myeloid leukemia. He is survived by his wife, Sarah; his daughter, Kylie; his son, Peyton; his sister, Kari, and her family; as well as his parents, Vern and Diane.
Kevin was known for his great sense of humor and loved being a jokester. If you knew him, you would remember his positive presence and how he enjoyed exchanging jokes with his happy-go-lucky attitude. He had a distinctive smile and an energetic personality. His family was undoubtedly his pride and joy.
Kevin “Op” Athmann was an extraordinary welder-fabricator with Team Felling Trailers for over 19 years. “We will always remember Op not only as our colleague but also as our friend. He was an uplifting individual, and his battle with lymphoma five years ago and, more recently, leukemia was truly inspiring. It is particularly special to us that both he and his father played a significant role in Felling Trailers’ success. He will be remembered and missed tremendously. May God continue to watch over his family, friends, and the Felling Trailers team as we navigate life without the fun-loving force that was Kevin!” said Brenda Jennissen, Felling Trailers CEO.
