I am in the Chicago area, I just saw the notice today, I'm sorry I missed her memorial.

I want Kathys kids and family to know how sorry and sad I am for your loss and pain.

Kathy and I were good friends for over twenty years. We met when we were volunteers for a new moms education and support group. We both had small kids and were going through divorces. We were each others "war buddy": Walking in each other shoes, a friend who really understood and was supportive. Through the years as we navigated each of our paths of being single moms in a married world, we knew we could call on the other for ideas, support, blow off steam, or a night out with a good friend. We even teamed up to take our kids to Disney World when they were small.

We could pop into and out of each others lives due to work, kids, whatever. When we saw each other next, it was like no time had passed. She was such a dear friend.

My children Brian and Helene are sad at her loss too. They think of her fondly as well.

Kathy loved her children, and was proud, concerned and hopeful for them. She'd light up talking about them. To Theresa, she admired and appreciated you. She lite up when talking about you too.

Kathy was bright, fun and funny. She was a good person.

I want her children and family to know she had many good friends here in the Chicago area who loved her.

Anything I can do to that may be of help, please let me know. I miss her, and I always will.

May peace be in your hearts and minds. May comfort come to you.

Fran Griffin,

La Grange, Il.

I met Kat earlier this year. We spent hours everyday together for little more than a month. She was inspiring to me. Breathtakingly beautiful on the outside, and she was all the more stunning on the inside. Kat was, to me, a force to be reckoned with. Powerful and kind all at once. She was such a brave woman. When I heard of her passing, I cried so hard, and I’ve cried everyday since. I only hope that in the end she knew that she was loved by many. This world certainly won’t be the same without her. Love you Kat.

To her family, my heart truly goes out to you. I can only imagine your pain. Please know you are all in my thoughts. Please be strong in facing this. There will be hard days ahead, but she loved you and would not want you to lose track of where you are headed. Be inspiring as she was. Much love.

-Krisann

My heartfelt condolences to Kathy's family. I had the honor of being friends with Kathy as well as being on the basketball and track team with Kathy in high school. Since hearing of her passing, my heart has been filled with thoughts, prayers and memories. It is amazing how Kathy touched my life 40 years ago and those impressions are part of me today. The following poem says it best:

Footprints On My Heart

Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never ever the same.

Some people come into our lives and quickly go.....Some stay awhile and embrace our silent dreams.

They help us become aware of the delicate winds of hope....and we discover within every human spirit there are wings yearning to fly.

They help our hearts to see that the only stairway to the stars is woven with dreams....and we find ourselves unafraid to reach high.

They celebrate the true essence of who we are...and have faith in all that we may become.

Some people awaken us to new and deeper realizations.....for we gain insight from the passing whisper of their wisdom.

Throughout our lives we are sent precious souls...meant to share our journey however brief or lasting their stay, they remind us why we are here.

To learn........to teach..............to nurture...............to love

Some people come into our lives to cast a steady light upon our path and guide our every step, their shining belief in us helps us to believe in ourselves.

Let us reach out to others and feel the bliss of giving...for love is far richer in action that it ever is in words.

Some people come into our lives and they move our souls to sing and make our spirits dance.

They help us see that everything on earth is part of the incredibility of life....and that it is always there for us to take of its joy.

Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never ever the same.

by Flavia Ween

Kathy's footprints are on my heart and the heart of many others. May the love of family and friends comfort each of you. May your memories be a cherished treasure and may each of you be surrounded by the peace that only our loving God can give.

Karla Saathoff Gundermann (1977&778 Mile Relay team, 1978 Lynx Baketball team & North Linn Class of 1980)

We are so very sorry to read of the passing of Kathryn. We will hold the entire family and all who love her in our prayers.

Sincerely,

Dwayne and Nancy Kula (North Linn Class of '74 & '76)

My heartfelt condolences to Kathy's family and children. I would run into her several days a week in college fighting for a hot cup of coffee at Joe's at the University of Iowa, first thing in the morning before the pot was empty--she was determined. I will miss her.

J.C. O'Brien U of Iowa '81 BBA '84 MABA

Wordmanjc@gmail.com

Our deepest sympathy goes out to Joe and Donna and their family. So sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

It's been more than 40 years since Kathy and I were in school together, but I still remember her kindness and her bright smile.

I truly hope that those things continue to make an impact on this world.

I met Kathryn last year in Iowa City. We were in a sort of group together. She was funny, and had a big heart. She definitely will be missed. I don’t know exactly what happened to her or what led up to it, but I’m so sorry to the family for their loss. She was a bright light in an otherwise often dark world. Fly high, Kat.

Kathryn,

You were a shining light, kinder you couldn't be. I will miss you beyond words.