Kimberly Witte

Kimberly Sue Witte, 64, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 29, 1960, in Iowa City, IA, Kim was the firstborn of Dr. John & Darlene Hess' four daughters. Kim was raised in Cedar Rapids and was a graduate of Cedar Rapids Washington High School (1978) where she met her high school sweetheart, Paul. She then went on to receive her bachelor's degree in education at the University of Iowa (1983) and was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority. Paul and Kim were united in marriage at All Saints Catholic Church on August 14, 1982. Kim dedicated her life to creating a loving, joyful and nurturing home for her husband of 42 years, Paul, and their three daughters, Megan, Katie, and Lauren.
Kim's greatest joy came from being a mom and spending time with her family, especially once she became a grandma in 2013. Her chocolate chip cookies were legendary to her grandchildren and family friends. Her home, especially around the holidays, was always elegantly decorated and her love of fashion was evident by her impeccable sense of style both for herself and in helping other people. She often quoted, "When you look good, you feel good, when you feel good, you do good." She always cherished time spent shopping with her family and friends - especially her Tribe. She knew exactly how to help someone put together the perfect outfit; she cleverly organized spaces both large and small; she always found the right decor piece for the home; and she wrapped and assembled thoughtful gifts for her family and friends, always making others feel special and loved.
Creativity flowed freely in Kim, often making blankets and burp cloths for babies and new moms, altering clothing and costumes, sewing pillows and curtains – she was the consummate homemaker. Kim's love for family extended into her children's lives as they grew up, often volunteering at their schools, even becoming a substitute teacher, and working at the dance studio where two of her daughters took dance classes. It was in those days that she often became everyone's "mom" - fixing everything from dance costumes to show choir dresses, lending a listening ear to anyone who needed advice and always encouraged everyone to think about different perspectives, and teaching us all how to live with beauty and grace. Her life's purpose was motherhood – patience, selflessness, humility, and finding joy in small moments with her children and grandchildren is what she did best. Her impact is felt far beyond the walls of her home.
Kim is survived by her husband Paul, children Megan (Matt Jansen), Katie (Martin Golobic), and Lauren (Andrew Dorman), and ten grandchildren: MJ, Clark, Katrina, Benjamin, Theo, Mason, Anthony, Alexandra, Margaret, & Baker. Additionally, her father, Dr. John Hess, sisters: Tami (Bill Happel), Lisa (Tom Leidigh), and Gina (Mike Gary), and eight nieces and nephews, her Uncle Ron Luehrsmann (Jan) and several cousins. She is preceded in death by her mother, Darlene "Dolly" Hess.
Kim and her family would like to extend a note of appreciation to all family and friends who have supported us this past year in her fight with AML (acute myeloid leukemia). She was greatly touched by everyone's notes, cards, food, and support at home. An additional thank you to her entire medical care team, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, the Hall-Perrine Cancer Center staff and Hospice House of Mercy.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 23rd at Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom with a scripture service at 3pm, with visitation to follow until 7pm. Visitation will then be held starting at 9am Monday, March 24th at All Saints Catholic Church with mass to follow at 10am with Rev. John R Flaherty officiating.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating blood and/or platelets through the blood bank or making a monetary donation to The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society in honor of Kim.