Kayden Michele Tanner

Kayden Michele Tanner aged 16, of Aurora, Illinois passed away on October 6th, 2025, surrounded by family after a courageous journey that included a heart transplant.
Born on January 29th, 2009, Kayden brought light, laughter, and love to everyone who knew her. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit inspired all who walked alongside her on her medical journey. Despite the challenges, Kayden faced life with grace, hope, and a smile that could brighten any room.
Kayden loved all things pink. She loved traveling with her family, swimming and loved the beach. She was a big Eagles and White Sox fan as well as a huge Taylor Swift fan.
Kayden was deeply loved by her entire family. Her parents Wyatt and Danielle (Derengowski) Tanner, siblings Mason, London and Skylar Tanner, and her cherished pets - Charles the dog, and her beloved cats, Poppy and Trixie who brought her loving comfort and joy. Grandparents, Scott Derengowski and Michele Beck, Kim and Marty Radman, JP Hoff, Great Grandmother Maudry Tanner and Great Grandparents Deena and Ivan Radman.
Uncles, Scott Derengowski II, Matthias Gregory and Cody Radman Aunts Chantel (Derengowski) Gregory, Alexia and Alyssa Radman and Kristen Derengowski Cousins Trystian and Jonah Derengowski, Cheyanne, Trinity, Juniper and Forester Gregory. As well as a large and loving extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins too numerous to list who brought joy and support throughout Kayden's life.
She was preceded in death by her Great grandparents Mike Tanner, Michael and Anna Marie Leopold and Marla Derengowski, Grandfather Gary Beck, Great Uncles Kurt and Scott Tanner and her loving dog Ernest Pajamas Tanner.
Kayden will be missed more than words can express.
After being diagnosed with heart failure at age 6, Kayden faced numerous challenges with incredible bravery. A heart transplant in 2015 gave us renewed hope and precious time with our sweet girl. All that knew her knew she was the toughest little fighter through it all and survived six years longer than the Doctors had given her. Kayden Strong was more than just her mantra and she proved it to all that knew her. Though Kayden's time was too short, the gift of life she received was cherished every single day.
Visitation
Sunday October 12th, 2025, 2:00pm-8:00pm
Beideman-Kunsch Funeral Homes & Crematory - South Naperville
24021 W. Royal Worlington Dr,
Napervile, Illinois 60564
Visitation
Monday October 13th 9:00am-10am
Beideman-Kunsch Funeral Homes & Crematory - South Naperville
24021 W. Royal Worlington Dr,
Napervile, Illinois 60564
Service
Monday, October 13th, 2025, 10:00 am
Beideman-Kunsch Funeral Homes & Crematory - South Naperville
24021 W. Royal Worlington Dr,
Napervile, Illinois 60564
Burial will take place immediately following the service at
Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery
675 US-30, Aurora, IL 60503
All who knew and loved Kayden are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ann & Robert Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and/or Ronald McDonald House Charites of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana in Kayden's memory.
A note from the family of how wonderful and amazing Wyatt and Danielle are as parents taking exceptional care of Kayden and all the sacrifice they have made to keep her safe and healthy over the years. Because of their dedication Kayden lived a great life. Wyatt and Danielle, you are amazing loving parents and when you see Jesus he will say, "Well done good and faithful servants." Kayden was a mighty warrior, and she had mighty warrior parents.
Our entire family as a whole thank you both for giving us our precious Kayden and the time we had with her and for escorting her home to God.
Kayden's courage, love, and laughter will remain in our hearts forever. Though gone far too soon, Kayden left an indelible mark on this world and all who were lucky enough to know her.