Contractors Hot Line is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
Contractors Hot Line is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
The online auction for the Team Warrior FT-3 light utility trailer, dedicated to Felling Trailers team member Kevin "Op" Athmann, who died in May 2024, concluded with a winning bid from Julie Pallow.
A cancer survivor herself, Pallow was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s large D cell lymphoma in 2021 and entered remission in 2022. Feeling a connection to the cause, Pallow and her husband Larry participated in the auction and won with a final bid of $6,000.
All proceeds from the auction will support Athmann’s family as they adjust to life without him. The funds will assist his wife, Sarah, and their children Kylie and Peyton with essential expenses including medical bills and housing costs.
Felling Trailers manufactured and painted a custom Sublime Green FT-3 trailer featuring the Team Warrior emblem to benefit the Athmann family.
The auction opened Feb. 10 and ran for five days, closing Feb. 15 during the Athmann Family Benefit, an event that marked what would have been Athmann’s 46th birthday.
The auction saw competitive bidding, with several participants engaging in back-and-forth offers.
“We are a little competitive and participate in several charity auctions each year,” Pallow said. “We always strive to pay a fair price for the items so the charity can benefit. That intention inspired our bidding.”
Pallow, originally from Sauk Centre, grew up on a dairy farm and graduated in the late 1970s.
She and her husband now live in Big Lake Township near Elk River, Minnesota. She owns a transactional bookkeeping firm, and he works as an engineer. They support various charitable fundraisers including Team Warrior.
A few weeks after the auction closed, Pallow and her husband picked up their new trailer and met Athmann’s family.
“The trailer will be put to good use for hauling our four-wheeler, tree trimmings and leaves for composting,” she said.
“For anyone battling cancer, it’s a journey, and having the right people to support you makes a world of difference.”
Athmann’s cancer battle began in January 2020 when he was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma. He was declared cancer-free later that year, but in 2024, he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.
He died in May 2024. He is survived by his wife, children, sister and parents.
Athmann, known for his sense of humor, was recognized for his positive presence and energetic personality. He worked as a welder-fabricator at Felling Trailers for more than 19 years.
“We will always remember Op not only as our colleague but also as our friend,” said Brenda Jennissen, Felling Trailers CEO.
“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!”