Kaleigh Yvette "Smith" Scholz

Kaleigh Yvette Scholz, a kind devoted wife and mother full of passion for family, 45, of Duluth, MN passed away on her birthday August 20, 2025 at MN Health Fairview in Minneapolis, MN from her almost 10 month fight with Lukemia.

Kaleigh was born on August 20, 1980, in St. Louis Park, MN to Julie (Glad) Smith and Robert Smith. She graduated from Bloomington Kennedy High School and continued her education at Minneapolis Business College, where she started nursing at Minneapolis Business College. She then continued on to Hennepin Technical College and Vermillion Community College in Ely, MN, where she earned her associate's degree. After college, her career path included employment through Border State Bank Roseau, MN, National Title -Duluth, Inc, and her career position as a senior account clerk with the Minnesota Department of Transportation in Duluth, MN.

On September 9, 2006 Kaleigh married her best friend and the love of her life, David Scholz of Ely, MN. Together they shared nearly 19 years of marriage, raising two wonderful children Timothy Joseph (16) and Isabellah Yvette (14). Her greatest joy in life was her family, and she poured her heart into supporting her children's activities and sports. She devoted her time to being a Girl Scout Troop Leader for several years, was active with the local Boy Scout Troop, and was a member of the Proctor Football Booster Club. She was always their loudest and proudest cheerleader, no matter what they participated in.

Kaleigh found happiness in life's simples joys. As a youth into her teens, she was an avid swimmer with the BAC and went to state several times. She was a talented crafter, an avid reader, and loved the outdoors, camping, boating, bonfires, and gardening. Her creativity and warmth touched everyone around her leaving behind memories filled with love and laughter.

Since 2013, the Scholz family has made their home in Duluth, MN, where Kaleigh built deep friendships and strong sense of community. She will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, her kindness, and her ability to bring light and comfort to those she loved.

Kaleigh was preceded in death by her grandfather, Malcom Glad, who was a beloved "PAL" to her.

Kaleigh is survived by her husband, David; children, Timothy and Isabellah; mother, Julie Smith; father, Robert Smith; grandmother, Bonnie Glad; and many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

A celebration of Kaleigh's life will be held on Thursday, August 28th at Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown, with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM and funeral to follow at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (Blood Cancer United).

Kaleigh's love will remain a guiding presence in the lives of all who were blessed to know her.