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Kennedy, Katherine
Katherine Ruth Kennedy, age 25, of River Falls, died at approximately 7:30 a.m. on January 3, 2013 at the scene of an auto accident on an icy road in Pierce County. At the time of the accident Katie was on her way to a job that she loved at Helmer's Printing Co.
Katie was born on June 5, 1987 in Wausau and was the daughter of Coleen Kennedy and Brad Kennedy. She graduated from Newman High School in Wausau in 2005. She received her Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2009.
Katie had many interests and many accomplishments. She was on the swim team from grade school through high school. While at the University of Wisconsin she served as the steward of Babcock House, a cooperative dormitory. This was a very responsible position in which Katie made good use of her fine organizational skills. Katie held many jobs but she truly enjoyed her most recent position at the publishing company.
Katie was an independent thinker and a take charge kind of person who was always ready to pitch in and help others. She was very reliable and people knew they could always depend on her. She had a wonderful wit, was an avid reader, and loved to bake. She loved her home on the farm in River Falls, and one of her proudest accomplishments was helping in any way she could there.
Katie is survived by her best friend, Bob Bennett, and their family in River Falls; her mother, Coleen Kennedy, her father, Bradley A. Kennedy, her stepfather, Michael Juers, her stepmother, Jane Dolan, and her brother, Kevin Kennedy, all of Wausau. She is also survived by her sisters Cat Dolan of Madison and Clara Kennedy of Wausau, as well as her step-brother Ryan Juers of Wausau, her grandmother, Ruth Derse, of Milwaukee, her grandparents Audrey and Emil Meitzner of Solon Springs, her grandmother, Alice Kennedy of Loyal, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 5 pm at River Falls Assembly of God. Visitation will also be Tuesday from 3-5 pm at the church.
There will be a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 10, at Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Rev. Paulette Creswell of Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Wausau will officiate. Private interment will follow. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at the chapel on Thursday.
Katherine lived her too short life to the fullest and left a lasting imprint on all those she touched. She was a devoted daughter and a loyal friend. We lost one of the good ones. Grant her eternal rest O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon her.
Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of River Falls, and Brainard Funeral Home, Wausau.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I am sorry for your loss --It is terrible thing to let your daughter go -I had no idea that this had happened -may God give you the strength -Jeff B.
Jeff Block
March 25, 2013
Brad and Jane ... I just heard about Katie, and have no words that can express my sorrow. Although it is surely difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Peggy Verick
February 15, 2013
Brad:
I first heard of your daughter's accident. You have my sympathy.
- Dave Klinner
February 14, 2013
We are so sorry to learn of this tragedy. Our prayers are with you.
Ted & Kelly Warpinski
January 17, 2013
Kim Bennett
January 12, 2013
So sorry to hear of your loss. May the good Lord watch over you in these difficult times.
Jack Schlaefer
January 12, 2013
Brad,Jane and family: So very sorry for your loss. Words are not enough!
David Verick
January 11, 2013
Jane and family-so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Northwinds Vent Nurses
January 11, 2013
Coleen, Mere words cannot express my sorrow enough. My dear cousin please be at peace knowing that Katie was your special chosen child and will be in your heart forever. Until you meet again. Love you
Maggie Hartley
January 11, 2013
Your daughter/sister was a wonderful young woman. I will always remember all the good things about her! Katie and I had swam Green Dolphins together. Always there to have a laugh with at the swim meets.
Just keep swimming,
Karrissa LeDuc
Karrissa LeDuc
January 10, 2013
i,m very sorry for you.....my deepest sympathy
john t anderson
January 10, 2013
Brad-
Although we never new your daughter, we can only know that she was like you and certainly you can be proud of what she accomplished at such a young age. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Steve Cindy Rajek
January 9, 2013
I was very young when I knew Katie but she knew what was best, and she was a tough young woman. I remember when she worked at the Almond Tree in the mall and she would always say "Hi" to me with a smile. I am so sorry for your loss Coleen, Bradley, Micheal, and Jane. May Katie rest in peace.
Danielle Rheinschmidt
January 9, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. To all of us who knew her, it is our loss also. It's just so hard to believe... I pray that God holds you during the very difficult days that lie ahead.
Jennifer Bault
January 9, 2013
Colleen and Mike,
I was greatly saddened to read of your loss. Please know that you, Katie and her entire family have been in my thoughts and prayers.
Lois (Klein) Wilhelm
January 9, 2013
Brad & Coleen, We are so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
John & Jane Reid
January 9, 2013
Reading all of the entries in the guest book, I see that Katie leaves many people with grieving hearts. The one thing mentioned in both the Wausau guest book and River Falls guest book is her infectious smile. She was always so full of life and willing to do so much for so many. She will be remembered in our hearts as she is received in Heaven. Prayers to all who lost this beautiful young woman.
Cheryl Juhnke
January 8, 2013
Every time I ever saw Katie she had such a big smile on her face. Her happiness was infectious. She brought a smile to everyone she met... Spread your wings and fly...
Judy Mathews
January 8, 2013
So shocking & so sad. She really was one of the good ones. Her smile spread across the room and filled others with good spirits. I remember laughing with her during my high school trig class. Good times, GREAT person. My deepest sympathies to all who grieve her...the list is long because of those she touched.
Carla (Guss) Hawley
January 8, 2013
Brad, Jane & Coleen,
Words can never express the sorrow a parent goes through when there is a loss of a child so young with so much to look forward to, my prayers are with all of you. A Rosary and Mass will be said in Katherine's name at the Mission of Saint Xavier in Tucson Arizona. I will send you a Mass Card with my memories and love
Jim O'Connor
January 8, 2013
Brad, there simply are no words. My thoughts are with you as you go through what must be the worst & saddest moment in life.
Barbie Muetzel
January 8, 2013
Colleen, we are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts are with you.
glenn Hartley
January 8, 2013
We are very saddened over Katie's passing. What can one say at a time like this except that you are in our thoughts and prayers
Fred Tealey
January 8, 2013
Mike and Colleen, our prayers are with you at this time of great loss. Katie was a specail person. Dave and Judi, FWBR
January 8, 2013
Brad & Kevin, I so sorry to see that you have lost your daughter/sister. I am sure she will be greatly missed. My thoughts & prayers go out to you and your families.
Greg Freeman
January 8, 2013
Katie was a beautiful unique soul, and one I wish everyone would have had the chance to meet! She was a true go getter as well as a dear friend. She was very positive and never let others get to her! She share many laughs with us at the lunch table in high school, and I enjoyed our talks about life after we graduated! I will miss her whit and her positive outlook she gave me each time we spoke! God has another beautiful angel!
Sara Legenza
January 8, 2013
Katie and I went to High School together. She was a year ahead of me. She always carried a big smile, infectious laugh, and a caring heart with her through the hallways of Newman. My prayers and blessings go out to her family and friends.
Cortney Tauer
January 7, 2013
Katie was a dear friend to Kathleen and Christine. We enjoyed having her at the house. Our prayers are with you. Hershel and Janice Webb
January 7, 2013
Katie was a Spanish student of mine at Newman- She was so fun, funny and full of life. Her smile was infectious. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sra. Kate Passineau
January 7, 2013
To the family of Katie, I worked with her at Helmer Printing she was a very sweet person, My thoughts are with you.
Joe Suchy
January 7, 2013
To the family of Katie, I worked with her at Helmer Printing she was a very sweet women. My thoughts are with you.
Joe Suchy
January 7, 2013
Brad and Jane:
Words cannot express the sadness I felt when I heard of Katherine's accident, and at such a young age.My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you both as well as to her entire family. She sounds like an amazingly beautiful young lady. May the many wonderful memories you have of her help you make it through this very difficult time.. I know she will be looking down from heaven and keeping watch over you!!
Becky hall
January 7, 2013
For Katie's family, my heartfelt sympathy at your loss. Kathy Schmirler
January 7, 2013
BRAD, MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYER'S ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME...LAURIE'S PLACE HAIR DESIGN
LAURIE LIND
January 7, 2013
Dear Colleen, Ruth and Maureen,
My deepest and heartfelt sympathy for the unthinkable and tragic loss of Katie. May the many beautiful memories of her help to ease your pain during this very difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Kathleen
Kathleen Norton
January 7, 2013
Thoughts and prayers out to the family. Katie was an amazing young woman and an even better friend.
January 7, 2013
I am very sorry for your loss. Katie was a great and very kind person. I worked with Katie at Evans Properties in Cottage Grove. For the short time the at knew her from working there I will always remember her kindness and laughter. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Andrea Posner
January 7, 2013
To Katie's Family:
My prayers and thoughts are with all of you. I remember Katie's love of reading when I worked with Coleen at the Court of Appeals. I am so very sorry.
John Yackel
January 7, 2013
My thoughts and prays go out to u and ur family. I worked with Katie at orange Julius. She was a very special person and an amazing friend. U will be deeply missed and always remembered Katie.
sara Fehlhaber
January 7, 2013
Brad and Coleen,
We are so sorry to hear of the untimely death of your daughter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Pete and Trudy Hittner
January 7, 2013
Having worked for Brad all of Katie's life, I had the pleasure of watching her grow up into the sweet, kind person that she was. It's a tragedy that her life was cut so short. Thoughts and prayers go out to Brad, Coleen and Katie's entire family during this very difficult time.
Merre Woznicki
January 7, 2013
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Sending prayers for peace and strength. My heart goes out to you.
Lyssa Bassett
January 7, 2013
Brad and Jane,
Brain and I were so sadden to hear about the tragic accident that took Katherine at such a young age. We did not know her personally but after viewing her obituary we now know how proud you must be of her oustanding accomplishments. It is obvious that she was a beautiful person both on the inside and out. In freindship we wanted to extend our deepest sympathies to the both of you and to Katherine's entire family. She was very blessed to have so many poeple that loved her. Brian & Jane Smith
January 7, 2013
Brad,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for sharing the beautiful video of Katie's life.
Julie Olson
January 7, 2013
Brad, we are so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in our thoughts.
Glenn Hartley
January 7, 2013
Thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time.
Kari Wierzba (Budleski)
January 7, 2013
Brad, so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family.
Nancy Swan
January 7, 2013
Coleen -
I cannot begin to imagine......you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kris Porter
January 7, 2013
So sorry to hear of your loss! My deepest sympathies to all of you!
Pam VanOoyen
January 7, 2013
Brad, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Christina Clark
January 7, 2013
Brad and Jane; I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Deb Kersten
January 7, 2013
Katie we will miss your smile and friendship. We love you a lot.
Lisa Lee
January 6, 2013
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Funeral services provided by:
Brainard Funeral Home and Cremation Center - Wausau Chapel522 Adams St, Wausau, WI 54403
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