Kathryn Nichole Bussing

Kathryn Nicole Bussing, affectionately known as Katie to her family and Kat to her friends, left this world too soon at the age of 32 on November 17, 2024. Born on Independence Day in 1992, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Katie's life was a vibrant display of courage and passion akin to the fireworks that marked her birth.
Katie was a spirited soul who was very loved by her mother, Kellie Spinner, her late father Dale Bussing (who also passed away from Huntington's Disease in 2014), her stepfather, Gary Spinner, and her Aunt Kathy Morris (Katie's namesake), and her husband Jim of Davenport Iowa. Katie shared an unbreakable bond with her sister of the heart, Nicole Kemprowski. Katie is also survived by her half brother Jacob Bussing and her stepbrother Kelby Bussing of Council Bluffs, Iowa.The familial ties extended beyond blood, as Katie's heart and home were always open to those she cherished.
Her academic journey began and concluded at Old Bridge High School where she graduated with the class of 2010. Katie's love for life was mirrored in her smile. She was able to capture the beauty of the world through her lens as a photographer. Katie also loved all animals, great and small as evidenced by the many pets she lived with throughout her years.
Katie's dedication to her community was unwavering, as demonstrated by her role as an Ambassador for the National Youth Alliance of the Huntington's Disease Society of America. Despite her own battle with Huntington's Disease, Katie was a beacon of hope and support for others, championing the needs of those with special needs with an unparalleled mix of empathy and action.
Katie's interests were many, She found solace in music, which was both a refuge and a source of inspiration throughout her life. Nature was another canvas for her soul, where she reveled in the beauty of the outdoors. Photography remained a constant love, allowing her to preserve fleeting moments of splendor for eternity.
Katie was a courageous individual, confronting the challenges posed by Huntington's Disease with a fortitude that inspired all who knew her. She approached life with a passionate zeal, engaging with the world and its inhabitants with an open heart and mind. Her spirit was indomitable, and though her physical presence has left us, the essence of who she was continues to resonate in the lives she touched.
The void left by Katie's passing in Manahawkin, New Jersey, is palpable, yet her legacy is one of love, advocacy, and the sheer joy of existence. She taught us to cherish every moment, to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves, and to approach each day with a sense of wonder and a readiness to make a difference.
Katie's life, though cut tragically short, was a testament to her character-courageous, passionate, and spirited. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to experience the warmth of her presence. The world is undoubtedly a better place for having had Kathryn Nicole Bussing in it. Her memory will continue to guide and inspire us, just as the light of the stars she so loved to photograph continues to shine long after they have gone.