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Katie Ann Klimkowski
2002 - 2022
Katie Ann Klimkowski
2002 - 2022
Obituary
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Katie Klimkowski Obituary
Klimkowski, Katie Ann, age 20, lifelong Harrah resident passed away unexpectedly Monday, September 5, 2022 in Norman, Oklahoma.
Friends and loved ones may pay their respects at Walker Funeral & Cremation Service from 1-6pm on Sunday, September 11 and from 8am-6pm on Monday, September 12. A memorial ceremony to celebrate Katie's remarkable life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 17 in the Gym at Harrah High School. Katie will be laid to rest privately at the Jamison Cemetery north of McLoud, Oklahoma.
Katie was born on July 20, 2002 in Stillwater, OK to Mark A. Klimkowski and Lori A. (Ford) Klimkowski. She was raised in Harrah, attending all 13 years of elementary, middle, and high school there before graduating as Co-Valedictorian with the class of 2021. After high school, Katie attended Southwestern College in Winfield, KS were she was a member of the women’s basketball and track teams and more recently began attending at the University of Oklahoma in Norman where she was pursuing a degree in journalism. To say Katie had a "zest for life" would be an understatement. Katie touched so many lives with her overwhelming kindness, bright wit, commitment to integrity, and strong self-motivation. Patriotic, athletic, artistic, and academic are a few words which Katie embodied. She was patriotic in that she loved her country and recognized the sacrifices of others in securing freedom. Athlete in basketball, cross-country and track and a dedicated team leader. She was the team captain for all three sports her senior year and played League basketball for ten years. Artistic in her ability to paint and draw, which seemingly came easy to her. As an academic, her educational pursuits exemplified her commitment to excellence. Even recently, she had been published in the OU Daily and was excited about the feedback she had received for her journalism efforts. As well, Katie was a good friend to others. Friendships were kindled quickly, but then treasured over the long term. Katie was known to look out for others to make sure they felt like they were included. Katie will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.
Survivors include her parents: Mark & Lori Klimkowski of Harrah, brother Louis Morris and wife Sarah of Cushing, OK, maternal grandmother Judith A. Ford of Yale, OK, aunts and uncles: John E. Ford of Perkins, OK, Robert L. Ford and wife Yvette of Ripley, OK, Bernadette Klimkowski and Jim Dawson of Harrah, OK, Paul Klimkowski and wife Camillia of Falls Church, VA, Joe Klimkowski and wife Paula of Carmel, IN, cousins: Justin Ford, McKyna Ford, Caleb Ford and wife Holly, Matthew Ford, Jeremiah Klimkowski, Adam Klimkowski, as well as Claudie LaFlash and husband Matt.
Katie was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather Frank Ford, paternal grandparents, Valentine and Rosie Klimkowski as well as her cousin Gabrielle Klimkowski.
Memorial donations in Katie's memory may be made to the Humane Society of Stillwater, 1710 S. Main Street, Stillwater, OK 74074, hspets.org/donate/ or the OU Foundation, Gaylord College Dean's Excellence Fund, 100 West Timberdell Road, Norman, OK 73019, home.oufoundation.org
Larry Lindsey
September 19, 2022
Mark and Lori,
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your daughter Katie. It breaks my heart. I have and will always love your family and want you to know how special your family is.
Edweana Skropka
September 17, 2022
Never had the privilege of meeting her. Our deepest condolences and prayers.
Mrs. Michael Skropka; Mike and Holly Skropka; Vickie (Skropka) and Tyler Maness
Lonnie Chapman
September 17, 2022
Never met her but I herd a lot bout her from her dad mark they life neighbors to my dad in Harrah I would like to say may the lord welcome her home an comfort her parents an may she Rest In Peace fly high angel chip chapman a family friend and neighbor
Paul and Camilla Klimkowski
September 13, 2022
Dear Katie, we were blessed to have you come to DC and visit your Uncle Paul and I. He got to show you all over and to the places you wanted to see. You even got to try different foods with us vegan/vegetarian too and enjoyed it! You even tried your hand at cooking with Uncle Paul and went back home cooking for your parents! Your loss is very hard sweetie...just no words. We pray you are up in heaven with your cousin Gabrielle and together as one of your other cousins said...taking care of each other. You are both missed and loved beyond belief. Peace to you both. Love Uncle Paul and Aunt Camilla
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Carla Reid-Robison
September 13, 2022
Mark and Lori, We are thinking of you during this time of heartache and sorrow. May you find comfort in knowing Katie was a blessing to all that knew her and loved by many. Praying for you during this difficult time.
Kurt Fisher
September 12, 2022
We never met Katie, but by all of the comments she sounds like she was a very special young woman! We are so very sorry for your loss and our Hearts and Prayers are with you through this difficult time.
Jennie McCartney-Brady
September 12, 2022
Lori, There are no words to express how deeply sorry I am for your tremendous loss - a beautiful, remarkable daughter. I send you all of my love and wishes that you are able to feel the love of all of us who grieve with you. Katie lives through your love. I'm here if you need anything, friend.
Kimber Winter
September 11, 2022
Katie was a lovely young woman with such a kind, beautiful soul. She had a fierce determination rarely seen in someone her age. For all who knew her, the world will be a bit darker; but for those who've gone before her, Heaven will be brightened by Katie's smile.
Dustin Orrell
September 11, 2022
My heart breaks for your family. I did not get the privilege of meeting Katie. However, my friendship with her mother gave me opportunities to hear about some of her accomplishments. I could always feel the pride that you had for Katie anytime you spoke about her, Lori. I was so sad to hear of your loss. I pray that God brings healing and comfort to you and your family in this time of loss and immense grief.
Chris Graham
September 11, 2022
Mark and Lori,
I am very sorry for your loss.
Paula McClane
September 11, 2022
Lori and Mark, my heart is broken for you. Reading all of the comments of Katie, she was truly loved by everyone she met. What a special young woman she was. I pray that God will wrap his loving arms around you and give you comfort. Heaven has gained a very special Angel and she will always be near, watching over you. Keep the memories close. Paula McClane
Kayleb Gable
September 11, 2022
I ran Cross Country and Track with Katie, and she was such a strong and self motivated person who was always ready for anything. I will always remember her and my heart goes out to her family.
Alexis Wagner
September 10, 2022
Katie was the most amazing person I had ever met. She always lit up a room when she walked it. She was such an angel and had the most beautiful smile. I will love you forever Katie. We share the same birthday and I am so thankful I get to celebrate my birthday with her every year. Thank you for always making me feel better Katie. I miss you so much and will never be the same without you.
Rose Shimanek
September 10, 2022
I'm deeply saddened to hear of sweet Katie's passing. She was one of the nicest, most hardworking students I've ever taught at Harrah. She had a heart of gold and her peers and teachers admired and respected her. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all of the people who knew her. I truly believe we all have an angel in our lives now.
Dawn Galan
September 10, 2022
So Sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and strength. Dawn Galan, Indianapolis Indiana.
Christina McClane
September 9, 2022
Lori and Mark, I am heartbroken for the loss your family has suffered. Katie was such a beautiful, talented, and smart young woman who aspired to reach such great heights. While her time with us was cut way too short, she is achieving something remarkable in Heaven. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope," Romans 15:13.
My love is with you always...
I´ve known katie all my life. We were basketball rivalries all through our years in basketball. It was such a pleasure an honor to play with Katie at a college level. She never failed to put a smile on my face. I love and miss you Katie bug
Zoë Dixon
September 9, 2022
Laura Verser
September 9, 2022
Katie was such a special girl. Intelligent, beautiful, kind, and loving. I watched her grow from a tiny girl taking naps in her mom's office to this bright, ambitious, zest-for-life young woman enjoying her first college years. She is her family's pride and joy. Katie, your light will continue to shine. Lori, my heart is with you during this most difficult time.
Hannah Miller Leftwich
September 9, 2022
Lori, I’m heartbroken for your family. It was evident how proud you were of Katie, how much you loved her. Sending you love and light through this incredibly difficult season.
Cassidy Hopkins
September 9, 2022
I wasn't close with her, but I was in many of the same classes with her. I respect her a lot. My condolences to everyone.
Cheryl Hessman & Family
September 8, 2022
Katie was such a lovely and beautiful young lady inside and out and energetic and precious as a child. She was deeply loved by her family and friends. Thoughts and prayers to the Klimkowski family. Our hearts are heavy during this tragic time for your family.
Melissa Killgore
September 8, 2022
This beautiful and precious young lady took my nervous and anxious Freshman under her wing during her cc and track season. She guided her and supported her. I told her what a blessing she was to my girl. As parents on the side lines we cheered all the runners on all of them. Watching Katie run was something special. She was a very determined athlete. What a true treasure. To her family...Katie's precious family my thoughts and prayers are continously with you all. Thank you for raising such a beautiful soul that protected and inspired such goodness. This loss is immeasurable. MELISSA Killgore & Lilly Killgore
Rhonda Miskelly
September 8, 2022
What a sweet, kind girl. I know her parents and Aunt Bernie adore her. The Miskellys are sending prayers and hugs to all of you during this unimaginable hard time. ❤
Lisa Burnett
September 8, 2022
I had the pleasure of teaching Sweet Katie at Clara Reynolds. Our world will be a dimmer place without her in it. We will love you always, Katie. ❤ Lori, Mark, and Bernie Our hearts are so broken.
Ian O'Daniel
September 8, 2022
My heart is truly saddened by this news. I have the blessing of getting to coach Katie for a couple years while she played with Team Oklahoma/ Shock Basketball academy. She had a heart of gold and made everyone around her smile and that never stopped during her lifetime. She was loved by many and will be deeply missed.
Debbie Akins
September 8, 2022
Katie always had a smile on her face. She was a wonderful young lady
Heidi Goyer
September 8, 2022
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Katie was beautiful inside and out. She had such a kind heart and was an inspiration to so many people. I feel blessed to have known her. She was one of my all time favorite students and always brightened up my day . Thoughts and prayers go out to all her loved ones.
Anna-Lise Kirton
September 8, 2022
Katie was really nice to me and she was a great teammate and friend not only was she on the basketball team she was also on the cross country and track team at southwestern college and I had the honor of being on the cross country and track team with her. She worked really hard every day and she encouraged me and encouraged others during practices I am going to miss her so much
Phil Anderson
September 8, 2022
Mark & Lori, It is with a heavy heart that I write you today to express my deepest condolences. Keep you faith in our Lord and Savior and he'll help see you through these difficult times. Respectfully; Phil Anderson
Amy Cornforth
September 8, 2022
When I think of KK, I will always remember her boundless energy and tenacious defense! We had the honor of becoming friends with her and Lori while she played on the OK Select team. We had so much fun with her and Emily being silly between games and on road trips to tournaments! Not only was I impressed with her great attitude and competitiveness on the court, but she was truly a great friend, kind soul, and genuine person. I don't think you will ever meet anyone who knew her who did not respect and admire her. We are deeply saddened and will continue to pray for her family and friends. May God comfort you and send you peace continually over the coming days and months. Katie was truly a joy! Much love is being sent!
Janice Luman
September 8, 2022
I did not personally know Katie but watched her many times on the basketball court. She gave everything she had on the court with such an amazing attitude. Great Lady Panther role model for other players. Many prayers for her family.
Terry Patterson
September 8, 2022
To the Klimkowski family: Katie was a wonderful young lady, great student, and a terrific Lady Panther on the basketball court. I hope you can take some solace in knowing that Katie impacted many of us in such a positive way. My heart goes out to all of you.
Tammy Devine
September 8, 2022
So very sorry for this families loss.
Such a sweet young lady
Ally Martinez
September 7, 2022
Once a Builder, always a Builder. Prayers to both Katie’s real family and her Builder family over the loss of a sweet soul
Leslie Hobaugh
September 7, 2022
I kept books for Harrah basketball games and loved watching Katie play and tallying up her points! Sorry for your loss, sending hugs and prayers to all of the family.
DeeDee Devine
September 7, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful young lady that touched my heart and so many others. Love you Katie Ann!
David and Cheri Brewster
September 7, 2022
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Rhonda Embry
September 7, 2022
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of sweet Katie. I remember her being small but mighty on the court with the lady Bombers and always so sweet. Praying for you all Lori.
Haleigh Johnson
September 7, 2022
Katie was one of the best teammates that I ever had. She always had a smile on her face no matter what the circumstances were. This is really hurting us all & just know that you are not alone. Watch over us all Katie and please send your positivity and that gorgeous smile down to us on Earth. We love you Katie! To her parents, you are truly in my prayers & Katie will always be on our minds.
Curtis Hilburn
September 7, 2022
Mr. and Mrs. Klimkowski, words are of very little comfort for you and your family. We feel so helpless in our ability to comfort you even a little. Just take to heart Katie is so loved.
Jerome Sterling
September 7, 2022
Thoughts and prayers to the Klimkowski family from the Sterling’s.
Raven Dixon
September 7, 2022
I didn’t know Katie personally but my daughter did. Katie would always attended the Perkins Lady Demon camp and would win practically every competition. Harrah sorta became a rival and the girls always had to shut down Katie. Lol
My daughter had the privilege of playing basketball alongside her at Southwestern. She was an excellent ball player and just knowing her through my daughter she was an amazing young lady. She will be deeply missed.
Jackie Gholson
September 7, 2022
Sorry for your loss
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