Name: Visitation for Kimberly Kay "Kim" Lestina
Start: 2023-01-17T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-01-18T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home-Oelwein

CORALVILLE - Kimberly K. Lestina, 57, of Coralville, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, at her home.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30?a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein, with Fr. Ray Atwood officiating. Inurnment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Oelwein.
Memorial visitation will be 4-7?p.m. Tuesday, and 9-10?a.m. Wednesday at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein. Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com
Kimberly Kay Lestina was born Aug. 4, 1965, in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, the daughter of Benjamin Jacob and Virginia Ann (Kadlec) Lestina. In 1983, she graduated from Oelwein High School and in 1987, she graduated from McMurray College. Kim taught children at the Grant Wood AEA in Cedar Rapids. She served on the Deaf Blind Advisory Board, AG Bell, Co-Lead of the Hearing Department at Grant Wood, State Lead Representative for Hearing Service, REC Board and Adjunct Supervisor for the University of Iowa Audiologist Program. Kim was a teacher icon throughout the State of Iowa for the deaf and hard of hearing. She wrote numerous programs and grants for the State of Iowa. Kim served on many committees for the State of Iowa including the Professional Development Committee for Audiologist and Hard of Hearing.
She had a wonderful rapport with the Amish communities. Kim was beloved by her students and their families. She worked and volunteered at the North Liberty Recreational Center, where she taught swimming lessons. Kim was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein. She enjoyed tennis, swimming and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye's sports fan. Kim loved spending time and helping her family and friends. Her passion was helping the children she taught and spending time with them and their families.
Kim is survived by her mother: Virginia Peterson of Oelwein; brother: Scott (Jennifer) Lestina of Glendale, Arizona; two nephews: Jacob (Karlie) Lestina and Austin Lestina (Mabel Castillo); and a great niece: Aubreyanna Lestina.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents; father: Benjamin Lestina; and stepfather: Paul Peterson.

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Published by Oelwein Daily Register on Jan. 13, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Kimberly Lestina

Sponsored by Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home-Oelwein.

36 Entries

Connie Stannard

January 22, 2023

I am so sorry to learn of the passing of such a special MacMurray alum. I graduated from Mac in 1973 and have lived in Coralville for more than 35 years. I wish I had known her. MacMurray produced some pretty wonderful people. I’m sure she will be greatly missed.

Carol Hillman

January 18, 2023

I’m so sorry to hear about Kim. I loved babysitting for her and Scott. She had an amazing twinkle in her eyes and a beautiful laugh. I loved it when we got to see her. She was an amazing woman inside and out. She will be missed. Love Carol Hillman ❤

Amy Nugent

January 17, 2023

I worked with Kim to help a couple of students at Mann Elementary. She was willing to fight to get students what they needed to be the best they could be. She made a positive impace on all she encountered. I will miss her smile and willingness to advocate!

Barb Wiemer

January 16, 2023

I knew Kim from GWAEA as coworker and friend. She was such a sweet person and hardworking teacher for her students. I was so shocked to learn of her death, and very sad that she is gone. Your family is in my prayers.

Mary Claire Odle

January 16, 2023

Kim was a very kind, loving person. I remember her from my school days at Oelwein High, then more recently as a teacher in the Grant Wood AEA area. Her smile and laugh were infectious. She will be missed!! RIP Kim ❤

Vicki Thomae

January 15, 2023

I will always remember Kim with much fondness and care. She was such a thoughtful and positive teacher and I always enjoyed our visits at school. God Bless You, Kim.

Monica Collins

January 15, 2023

Kim, We are all oh so sad to see you go so soon!! No one knows how much time we will have to do on earth what we came here to do; but I can say, with confidence, you did your part and then some with the time you had. My life is better fit having known you. The Deaf community is better for having had you in it!!! The impact you had on students’ lives you positively impacted is immense and immeasurable!! You were an amazing colleague and steadfast friend!! Thank you for helping me be the best itinerant teacher I could be, for your love of our feline friends and your love of family.
My sincere and deep condolences to your mom, brother and the rest of your family.

Amy Frantz

January 15, 2023

Kim was one of the sweetest and compassionate teachers I've known. Not only did she pave the way for my son Peyton, she encouraged him and transformed him into the man he is today. I am forever grateful for her. RIP KIM

Peyton Tshilumba

January 14, 2023

I have known Kim since I was 3 three year old boy. Kim was and will forever be a supportive and influential figure in my life. Kim helped me get adjusted to a life as someone with hearing loss. Kim has helped me get through the darkest times in my childhood. I fondly remember playing games with her all of the time during school as well as showing off my cool Lego sets to her. Sometimes I'd bring a friend along and we all play games together, those times were so much fun. Even if weren't playing games together, I'd still would feel happy just by being near her. Kim was always someone to bring joy in me as well as others like that. Even though Kim started visiting me less once I got into high school as I became more independent, we still kept in contact and talked every once in a while. Ever since moving to Minnesota a couple of weeks ago, I've want to tell her so much about all of the new sights and sounds here but will never be able to now. Kim's death however will not be vain, she has lead a life dedicated to helping others and bringing out the joy in everyone she meets and she planned on doing that until the day she died. You've lived a long life Kimberly, you may now rest in peace. ❤❤❤

Anne Wallace

January 14, 2023

My sincerest sympathy for the loss of your precious Kim. Friend to all, professional gift to her students and their families. Such a warm, funny, smart and kind person. So very sad to learn this. Hugs to her family and dear friends at this huge loss.

Jan Jacobson

January 14, 2023

I worked at Grant Wood AEA with Kimberly ~~ and, I am so sad to hear of her death. I loved working with Kim ~~ she was an amazing teacher, workmate, and friend. Kim definitely had a gentle heart, a work soul, and was loved by all the children she taught. Kim had great insight to children and their their families; she will certainly be missed by many. It was my privilege to know and work with Kim ~~ Jan Jacobson

Georgia Gent

January 13, 2023

I was blessed to know Kim when I was the secretary at Wellman Elementary years ago. I always enjoyed our chats and will treasure that. She was simply a gem! My sincere sympathy to her family

Carol Pearce

January 13, 2023

Kim and I met in 1988 when the Coralville Rec Center completed work on its beautiful, new indoor swimming pool and we were hired as the new aqua aerobic instructors. Through that job we became friends and I was immediately aware of Kim´s friendliness, humor, and her gift of kindness and caring for others. Over time, Kim would even babysit, dogsit, and house sit for my family and eventually she moved to the same street I lived on, Southridge Drive. In 1996 my family moved to Texas but Kim and I remained in touch through Christmas cards and letters. This was before social media and Facebook had taken over. But it was Facebook that allowed us to still stay in touch, catching occasional comments or photos posted. It was always heartwarming and brought a smile to my face when I´d see a comment from Kim on something I posted or even that iconic thumbs up or "like" we´ve all come to know. But Kim´s Christmas cards were ones I couldn´t wait to receive each year because they were so funny and so cleverly written, fashioned in the style of Dave Letterman´s countdown if you remember that from his show. Reading what her #1 event of the year was, was always so exciting and enjoyable to read about, but #´s 2-10 were pretty fun to read about too!
I will always remember Kim as one of the most kind and bright stars I have ever known and I am so saddened by her death. My deepest and most sincere heartfelt condolences to her family and all who loved and will miss her.

Linda Krog

January 13, 2023

Kim, I am thankful for all the years we worked together for the good of the deaf and hard of hearing children in this area. It was my privilege to know and work with you. Sincere prayers for your family, coworkers, and friends. You will be extremely missed.

Alena Troyer

January 13, 2023

I’m shocked I wanted to talk to her b4 she died but I have no way to reach her tho. I miss u so much Kimberly! ❤

Kim Goldsmith

January 13, 2023

Condolences to her family. Gone too soon. RIP Kim.

Mark Schneider

January 13, 2023

Kim was one of the most positive individuals I ever met. Her compassion and care for children along with her nonjudgmental nature were reasons why she was able to build such deep relationships with the Amish community. She always brought a smile and laugh to my face every time I saw her. It was an honor to serve with her. She will be missed.

Dana Rembold

January 13, 2023

So sad to hear of Kim's passing. I was blessed to work with her and call her a friend.Her genuine smile always lifted my day and will continue to in the future.

Larry Allen

January 13, 2023

Kim was a colleague of mine at Grant Wood AEA. I loved working with her on various issues and found her to be such a breath of fresh air. She was fun to be around and an excellent professional. Sorry to hear about her death. My sincere regards to her family. Larry Allen

Tricia Stiles

January 13, 2023

So sorry to hear about Kim’s passing. I have good memories of working with her on a GWAEA Inclusion Resource Team in the 90’s. I was one of the few parents who were on the team, and I remember Kim as being so enthusiastic and sincerely eager to hear a parent’s perspective. She made me feel that my input was as valued as much as any of the other team members with professional titles. It was obvious that Kim respected the children she worked with and respected and partnered with their parents. Sending condolences to her family, colleagues and students.

Kate

January 12, 2023

Kim was the best D/HOH teacher I have ever met. She is the sole reason I decided to stay and my placement during a very hard time at work. I told her that I was thinking about leaving and she said "give me two weeks... I will fix this" and she did. She got me breaks after weeks of not having one and she advocated for my student like no other. That happened 4 or 5 months ago. Since then, her visits to our school became my favorite part of the week. We will miss her fierce advocacy, kindness, and patience.

Cindy Seehusen

January 12, 2023

So sorry for your loss! She was such a force for students! My prayers include her.

Judith Knabe

January 12, 2023

Kim was highly skilled in her field of work. She had wonderful ability working with her students and supporting their parents. She was respected and loved by so many people. Her 'shoes' will be very hard to fill at Grant Wood AEA. She had a sparkling personality and will be missed so much.

Sally Sinclair

January 12, 2023

Kim was a caring and tntelligent service provider for the hearing impaired. She was also a kind friend to all who worked with her and knew her. She is a loss to so many.

Lisa Sample

January 12, 2023

I am so sorry for the loss of Kim. We worked together in Iowa City.

Likuei Chiou

Sent Flowers

Kurt and MaryLou Cosselman

January 12, 2023

Sincere sympathy during this time of such great loss.

Doug McBride

January 12, 2023

We are eternally grateful to know Kim as a client, a colleague and a friend. Her selfless dedication to enhancing the lives of others is something we should never forget. As a client, she helped our son learn to accept, understand and grow as a person, along with his parents. As a colleague, I watched first hand as she improved the lives of everyone around her, professionally, personally and always upbeat and humorous. As a friend, her outlook always brightened ours. Condolences to the family and kudos to Kim.

Terry Conner

January 12, 2023

I learned so much from Kim over the years as our paths crossed. Kim was such a caring person, an amazing teacher and colleague.

Jill Weigel

January 12, 2023

Kim was such a special person - always caring, supportive and passionate about her work. There was not a person that knew Kim who did not love her. I was so fortunate to get to know her through the hearing team. She was one of a kind for sure, and will be missed so very much.

Hanson Family

January 12, 2023

Kim was a dedicated, amazing, loving teacher and friend to our daughter, Bella. Bella stated she is the person she is today because of Kim's love and support and her wonderful example of how to be a beautiful person. Kim was a friend to our whole family helping us to be able to help and support Bella. We will miss Kim very much! We send our condolences and love to her family.

Norma Castillo

January 12, 2023

I’m trying to find the words to express the sadness I’m feeling. It has been a blessing Living next to Kim for over ten years, I appreciate every day that I was able to get to know her. She loved to serve her students, community and neighbors. Our last words were me thanking her for clearing my sidewalks and driveway after our last snowfall. Kim you will be missed!
Virginia, my deepest condolences for your loss. Please know that I am here for you in anyway you would need, Prayers to you and the rest of the family during this difficult time.

Kim RAU

January 12, 2023

Kim was always a Happy Go Lucky person with a great smile!! Deepest Condolences to all of you!!!

Roger Beane

January 12, 2023

Kim, was a fun student in class, she always had a smile. She was a very kind and giving person!

Todd Huinker

January 12, 2023

Too soon,,Rest Easy Kim. What a gentle soul !

Pat Arthaud

January 12, 2023

My sincere sympathy for the entire family. She will be missed by many. Love & prayers to all.