Kayla Marie Wingbermuehle-Brown

March 21, 1987 – April 6, 2025

Kayla Marie Wingbermuehle-Brown passed away peacefully on the evening of Sunday, April 6, 2025, in her hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. She was 38 years old.

Born in Saint Louis, Missouri, Kayla was a vibrant, passionate soul from the very beginning. She grew up in Fenton and attended Rockwood Summit High School, where she shined as a cheerleader and thrived in theater and show choir. She pursued her love of learning at Missouri State University, studying International Business and Spanish, and continued her education abroad at Hogeschool Zuyd in Maastricht, The Netherlands—an experience that ignited her lifelong love for travel and cultural exploration.

Kayla’s life was defined by compassion, energy, and an unwavering drive to make the world better. Her professional journey took her into politics and progressive advocacy, where she worked tirelessly on impactful initiatives like debt-free college at the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, Lori Saldaña’s Congressional campaign, and agricultural protections in Eastern Washington. Her talent and dedication earned her national recognition as one of Fusion’s #30Under30 most influential people in politics.

But Kayla’s most powerful legacy lies in how she cared for others. She was a steadfast friend, a devoted daughter, sister, wife, and an everyday hero to countless people and animals. If someone was in need—whether a friend going through hardship or a stranger on the street—Kayla was there with empathy, action, and a genuine desire to help. She always offered kindness to unhoused neighbors and never hesitated to stop and help a stray dog or cat. Her heart was always open.

Kayla shared a deep and joyful love with her husband, Mike Brown. Together, they built a life rich in experiences—cheering at St. Louis SC soccer games, attending concerts and theatre performances, exploring hiking trails, traveling to new places with family & friends, relaxing on the beach, and enjoying quiet evenings at home with their beloved Australian Shepherds, Maverick and Goose.

Her charitable spirit extended far beyond politics. Kayla was a passionate volunteer and fundraiser, especially through her work with Stray Rescue of St. Louis. One of her most beloved projects was Flowers for Thelma: a heartfelt initiative born after she and Mike fostered a terminally ill dog named Thelma in 2016. Kayla hand made decorative flowers to adorn Thelma’s collar, wanting her to feel beautiful and cherished in her final months. That act of love grew into a full-fledged nonprofit shop, Thelma Jean Dog Boutique, with all proceeds benefiting Stray Rescue’s hospice program. Over the years, she raised tens of thousands of dollars and donated countless items to support their mission.

In 2024, Kayla turned her creative energy toward another cause close to her heart—supporting one of her best friend Ashlee’s daughter, Kamila, following her diagnosis with Cystic Fibrosis. Kayla quickly became a core part of “Kamila’s Krew,” hand-making bracelets to raise awareness and funds.

Kayla’s life was full of joy, love, and purpose, but she also faced personal struggles. She battled alcohol addiction, a disease that ultimately claimed her life. Kayla never wanted to be defined by her struggles, but rather by the immense good she brought into the world. In sharing her story, her family hopes to break the stigma surrounding addiction and extend support to anyone who may be suffering. If you or someone you love is struggling, please know that help exists—and our family is here to support you without judgment.

Even in death, Kayla continued her legacy of giving by donating her organs to help others live.

She is survived by her husband Mike; her father and stepmother, Steve and Karen Wingbermuehle; her beloved “little” brothers, Brian and Matthew Wingbermuehle; her grandparents, Janet M. Wingbermuehle, Bob and Mary Ann Jauer; her dogs Maverick and Goose; and a wide circle of extended family and devoted friends who will carry her spirit forward. She is preceded in death by her mother, Shelly Wingbermuehle (1962-2006) and grandfather Justin J. Wingbermuehle(1928-1988).

A celebration of Kayla’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 6:00–9:00 PM at The Jewel Box in Forest Park, St. Louis. While not required, the family asks that if possible, you RSVP if planning to attend the event for planning purposes. 

In lieu of flowers, the family humbly asks for donations in her memory to Stray Rescue of Saint Louis or toward her commemorative tree. The tree will be planted at the Missouri Botanical Garden in Kayla’s honor—a place she loved dearly. Kayla’s tree will be planted near Lauren’s tree, a dear friend who lost her battle with brain cancer in 2024.

To know Kayla was to be loved by her—and to carry forward her light is the greatest tribute we can give.

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