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KEVIN SOUTHWICK
KEVIN SOUTHWICK Obituary
December 31, 1968 - August 17, 2025
Kevin Southwick, my split-a-part, wonderful husband and best friend, passed away on August 17, 2025, after an unexpected illness.
Kevin was the best little brother to Kim Martinez (Ray Gruender); a doting, lovable son to Ben and Janice Southwick; the funniest, coolest uncle to Anna Martinez, Alec Martinez (Pfeifer), Karl and Danielle Kraemer; the favorite nephew of Russ and Dona Jones and Caren Snider; the perfect son-in-law to Judie and Charlie Kraemer; and the best sidekick, skiing buddy, and brother-in-law to Charlie Kraemer (Michelle), Ray Gruender, and cousin Jeremy Jones.
Born in Joplin, MO, in 1968, Kevin graduated from Joplin High School and went on to earn a BA in Economics and Finance from Missouri Southern State University. He moved to Orlando, FL, in 1995 with his girlfriend, Janine "Cookie" Kraemer, whom he married in 1998. We moved to Santa Fe in 2014 with plans to retire here.
Kevin was a Rotarian for over 25 years, most recently serving as the past President of the Rotary Club of Santa Fe and the current President of the Rotary Club Foundation of Santa Fe. He loved giving back to the community and volunteered often. Giving his time brought him great joy and fulfillment. Volunteering was also a vital part of his life at Del Norte Credit Union, where he worked for the last 10 years. Kevin mentored many at DNCU, and his co-workers have spoken with deep admiration about his work ethic and humility.
Kevin passionately loved the KC Chiefs, Santa Fe, margaritas, breakfast burritos, music, golf, skiing, his four-legged kids-and, of course, his family.
Kevin leaves behind so many loving family members, friends, fellow Rotarians, and co-workers who miss him deeply. We are all left wondering how and why such a good soul, with such a big heart, could be taken so suddenly. He arrived at the emergency room after assisting someone with moving their car out of the road-before collapsing.
My love, my truly better half, my split-a-part-I love you so much. You have no idea the hole you left in this world and in so many hearts. I still can't believe it.
A celebration of Kevin's life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Rotary Club Foundation of Santa Fe in his memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for KEVIN SOUTHWICK
Sponsored by The Santa Fe New Mexican.
37 Entries
David
Earlier today
Kevin was a good man with a kind and wonderful personality. He will be greatly missed by many and the world has lost a good soul who made a difference in many various people that he touched.
Anthony López
Yesterday
Kevin has always been such a unique person. He truly was one of a kind. He was a colleague, mentor and friend. Kevin was always the light in the room. He always made every person the center of attention - he genuinely cared. His Southern drawl will be remembered for life. Kevin made me a better person and I am forever grateful for his mentorship. Fly high, brother!
Thomas Pacheco
August 22, 2025
From the very first moment I met Kevin, he touched my heart in a way that´s hard to put into words. He welcomed me with open arms, as if I were already part of his family. That´s just who Kevin was-warm, genuine, and full of love.
Every memory I have of him is wrapped in kindness. Whether he greeted you with a hug, a radiant smile, or that unmistakable positive energy, Kevin had a way of making you feel seen and valued. He did that for me from day one, and it never changed.
When I heard the news of his passing, my heart broke. It felt like I lost a brother-not by blood, but by bond. The kind of bond that only someone as special as Kevin could create.
Kevin will forever live in my heart and in the memories we shared. His spirit, his laughter, and his love will never fade. I miss him deeply, and I always will.
I love you, my brother in heaven. Until we meet again.
Meg Cadiz
August 21, 2025
The first friendly face I met in Santa Fe. His humor was infectious. His smile and kindness unbelievable. His love for his wife and family was endless. Such a good man, doing good work and he died helping a stranger. He was soon to retire and all I can think is that he has. It´s so very sad for me to think of Cookie and his family missing him. He has left big hole in every way. We just must take the time when we have it to be with those we love. Don´t let these moments slip away. To Kevin, may we meet again. Meg
Dennis Carter
August 21, 2025
Kevin was a wonderful man I only knew for a couple of years. Very kind, totally approachable, and now a real loss to our community. I miss him.
Kirstin Bruner
August 21, 2025
My sincere condolences to everyone who knew and loved Kevin. I enjoyed working with him and appreciated the levity and joy he brought to the office every day.
Jennifer Espinoza
August 21, 2025
My deepest condolences to your family. Kevin was always a welcoming smile here at DNCU and he will be greatly missed.
Guy Krenn
August 21, 2025
Kevin and I had more than a few great laughs together as co-workers at a credit union in Santa Fe. You will be missed greatly by all, Kevin.
Kellie Carroll-Juarez
August 20, 2025
He was one of the one people that I looked up to, learned so much from, and could talk Kansas City Chiefs history and future all the time. Thank you for all your mentorship! This is such an incredible loss to everyone who knew you and the ones who didn´t get to know you!
Luis Bustos
August 20, 2025
Stephanie Sloman
August 20, 2025
Sending my deepest condolences to the Southwick family and the Del Norte Credit Union team. Kevin´s brightest, warmest smile and his willingness to lend a helping hand touched everyone he met. The credit union community will not be the same without him-he was such a vital part of it, and he will be missed beyond measure. May light, love, and eternal peace surround Kevin as he journeys from time into eternity.
Janine
August 20, 2025
Barbara Davis Melillo
August 20, 2025
Cookie,
Our deepest condolences on Kevin´s passing.
You are in our thoughts and prayers
Aunt Barbara & Al
Janine
August 20, 2025
Stephen Connolly
August 20, 2025
Kevin was a wonderful man and one of my favorite people. He always brought a smile to my face when I saw him and always left a smile on my face when we parted. The love I saw between Kevin and you, Janine, was inspirational and my heart is broken. May his memory be some condolence.
Helena Hitchborn
August 20, 2025
Kim, my deepest sympathy to you and your family on the passing of your brother.
Moira and Brad Bernstein
August 19, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss. As friends' of Kim living in St. Louis, we heard wonderful stories about Kevin as a teenager on the golf course country club in Joplin. Please know we are keeping you all in our thoughts. We made a donation to the Rotary Club of Santa Fe in memory of Kevin. Sending love and hugs. Moira, Brad, Simone, Jake and Sophie
Luis Bustos
August 19, 2025
Dear Cookie and the Southwick Family,I want to express my gratitude for allowing us to have Kevin in our lives. Over the past decade, Kevin has been more than just a colleague to me - he has been a trusted partner, mentor, and a true friend. From the moment I met him, it was evident that his heart was dedicated to serving others. Kevin's admirable way of living was reflected in his positive outlook on life and his unwavering commitment to making things better. He exemplified integrity, loyalty, and exceptional leadership qualities. I am forever grateful for the impact he has made on my life and for the care and support he provided to my family. Cookie, I cannot imagine the depth of your loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Every moment spent with Kevin will be cherished forever.
Luis Bustos Family
Phyllis Hess
August 19, 2025
Cookie, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. May you take comfort in the many wonderful memories you have of Kevin and your time together
Rita Zamora
August 19, 2025
Dearest Cookie. I am so sorry for your loss. Kevin was the last supervisor that I had at the Credit Union before I retired. He was always so much fun to work with. He left too soon. He will be missed by all of the DNCU Family. He sure did like my tamales My deepest condolences.
neelam dhawan
August 19, 2025
Janine, I'm so sorry to hear of your sudden loss. My heartfelt condolences, I just found out about it. Cherish his memories, hope to meet you sometime soon.
Diego Muñoz
August 19, 2025
You left us way too soon, but I can still hear your laugh and feel your push to go faster down the slopes. Every run will be for you, my friend.
Duke Harshberger
August 19, 2025
Cookie and the entire Southwick family -
I send my deepest heartfelt condolences to Kevin's family and friends. Kevin was a dear friend of mine for over 40 years. So many wonderful memories and stories over the years. Kevin was a good one. He would approach every situation with an unwavering optimism, looking for good and believing in a positive outcome. Always kind, always fun, always smiling, always helpful, always generous, always down to earth. An all around great guy. You made life brighter for those around you and I am blessed to call you my friend.
Rani Mann
August 19, 2025
Cookie, I am so shocked to hear about Kevin.
He was the best manager ever and an even better friend. Such a gentle, kind and caring person, a great listener. Kevin was the kind of person that you knew was genuinely concerned about you.
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
I will miss him terribly.
Jim steele
August 19, 2025
Very sorry for the pain you are all in from this unexpected passing. Was glad to have visited him and his Dad just a month or so ago. Kevin was always engaging and warm to talk with. We are all thinking of you from Kansas City. Jim and Shelley Steele.
Elizabeth Sedillo
August 19, 2025
To all of Kevin´s loved ones. I am so sorry to hear this devastating new. Kevin was my boss at DNCU, he was the best. I will always remember his creating music CD´s of a specific category. He shared with me once that he was making a CD of songs that mentioned New Mexico or cities, towns in New Mexico. It seemed like for a while that was my drive home, free time, homework just thinking of songs that I knew mentioned a part of New Mexico and reporting back to Kevin in the morning. When this project was completed. He gave me a copy of the CD our NM collab. We talked about music a lot we shared the same likes, occasionally he would burn a CD for me. I cherish these gifts that he shared, especially now that there will be no more, just the wonderful memories from a great guy. What a huge loss for all of us. Praying that we can all find peace and comfort in the memories he left with us.
Edward, Dolores, and Dante
August 19, 2025
Kevin, you poured time, energy, and love into people-often quietly, without expecting recognition-yet your presence was deeply felt. The patience with which you invested in others, the compassion you exhibited to those in need, and the way you freely volunteered your gifts were a reflection of the goodness of your heart.
I am so grateful for everything you invested in me personally-for your encouragement, your example, and the way you believed in me. You reminded me that true greatness is not found in titles or achievements, but in the kindness we share and the lives we lift up.
Your legacy is written not in words but in the people whose paths you´ve brightened, the burdens you´ve lightened, and the love you´ve spread. Thank you for showing us all what it meant to live with generosity, humility, and grace.
To Cookie and family we are praying for you constantly for God to bring you comfort and strength during this difficult time. Please never hesitate to reach out to any one of us if you need anything at all. Kevin will keep taking care of you through all the people who he always went above and beyond for, we are here for you always.
Ed August
August 19, 2025
I grew up with Kevin, who lived a block away. He was one of my brothers best friends. We had so much fun with the Southwick family as kids. Perfect storybook childhood and they were such a big part of that. We had lots of times at the Briarbrook pool, shooting fireworks, riding around in his mother's Mustang convertible and even watching our dads make whiskey in the garage. The Southwick home was always the place we went when mom and dad were gone for a day or two.
Such a terrible loss. I'm so sorry for the family.
Kimberly Zeilik
August 18, 2025
I am so deeply saddened at Kevin's passing. He was a ray of sunshine and spread joy everywhere he went. He will be missed. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
Kimberly Zeilik
Kathy Ritschel
August 18, 2025
Cookie and family,
So sorry to hear about Kevin's passing. I absolutely loved working with him at Del Norte, a class act always. Thanks Kevin for all of your volunteer work in Santa Fe. You made our community a better place to live.
Go Chiefs!
Kathy Ritschel
Barbara and Bill Kraemer
August 18, 2025
No words can express how broken our hearts are over Kevin's unexpected and way too early passing. Our broken hearts are with you, Cookie, and family, along with our prayers for God's mercy and comfort and healing now and in the days to come.
Jocelyn Singer-Sargent
August 18, 2025
To Cookie and all of Kevin´s family, I am devastated to hear this news. Kevin was a cherished coworker during my time at DNCU. I appreciated his humor, positivity, and kindness, and I admired all he did for the community. I´m sending you my deepest sympathies. I´m thinking of you all. - Jocelyn Singer-Sargent
Maureen Brichetto
August 18, 2025
I met Kevin through the Santa Fe Rotary. Although I only knew him for a short while, he was one of the people that stood out. He was always ready with an encouraging word and a big smile. Kevin was a genuinely kind, authentic, caring man. He will be deeply missed by many people. My thoughts and heart prayers for peace and healing go out to his family. I am so sad for your loss.
Kim Currie
August 18, 2025
I have a lot of great memories over the last 10 years. Kevin was my Santa Fe brother. He never let me down when it came to volunteering, reassuring words when I needed it, and a he made work fun. Whether it was 6 am or 9 pm, he was always thoughtful and engaging at our volunteer events. I only saw a part of his compassion for helping people and our furry friends. There was so much more he gave to the community and his friends and family. Thank you for bringing your talents, knowledge and compassion to Santa Fe and Del Norte Credit Union.
Alexander J Shedlock
August 18, 2025
I still use a lot of business knowledge I learned from Kevin nearly twenty years ago! "Proper preparation prevents poor performance" and "an emergency on your side doesn´t constitute an emergency on my side". I miss this guy, he is a good one.
Kerry Quinn
August 18, 2025
You've left a gaping hole in my heart. My Rotary brother now and always. I love you!
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