I have known Kim for over 30 years now and can't believe it's been this long.  I can't say enough good things about her.  The best memory was back in 2008 at the Michigan beach house.  Tom and Kim have always been so generous in sharing time with us there.  We  brought my grand daughter, Mackenzie who was 5 and she had a blast.  From fishing boating,  catching turtles and just playing at the beach all day,  it was a wonderful time.  I was able to have some time with Kim and talking to her always came so easy.  She never judged or had an unkind word about anyone.  We sat at the beach and watched the kids play.  

It seemed like everything fell into place

 It was absolutely perfect.  I shared personal things with her and knew she would keep it between us.  I always looked forward to talking with her. 

I found her to be a miracle who faught cancer like a champion. She told me what she went through after brain surgery. 

I couldn't imagine how scared she must have been,  just giving birth to their 4th child and then having to go through brain surgery for cancer!!  Wow.

She just kept moving forward and she made sure her kids had everything they needed.  I watched her and concluded she is one tough cookie! 

I have so much respect and love for her as a friend and a mother. 

I know she will always be around her family and watch over them. They are everything to her and that won't change.

Wherever she is, She will always be near to guide them.   They won't see her but she will be there.  

I know in my heart she's in a beautiful place riding her horse, Sadie along a beautiful beach in the sunset.

We will see you one day dear Kim.

Rest up because you know how long we can talk.  We love you sweet friend, forever. 

When I think of a memory to post in Kim’s honor, I find it difficult to settle on just one. The instant I think or say Kim Kauss, my mind is flooded with memories of a fabulous mother who loved her entire family so deeply. Her bond and loyalty to them was something most families can only dream of.

My 1st visit to see Tom & Kim in Colorado - Eric had already been a frequent visitor - was beyond memorable since I had not yet experienced the beauty of Colorado.

Little Quinn was cuddled up on the couch with his blanket watching Barney. We were all waiting for Kim to return from her United flight so we could kick off the weekend fun.

Not long after, it was Connor’s christening at Ted and Carol’s house on Dwyer Ave in Arlington Heights.

Scroll ahead to 1997 when Kim and I were pregnant at the same time with Morgan and Allison. I will always remember Kim telling me her birth story. A nurse literally sat on Kim’s stomach forcing Morgan to make her entry into this world in April 1998. No big deal, just another day in the life of ‘tough as nails’ Kim. Always a trooper with no complaints, just a smile and giggle as she shared one of the most insane birth stories I had ever heard.

This was a very exciting time as Tom & Kim were about to settle into Cary Illinois as a family of 5. Everyone was thrilled they had moved back to Illinois to be closer to family.

Following Morgan’s birth, Kim’s 4th and final pregnancy with McKenzie was special in many ways.

That October 1999 day Eric and I visited Kim at Evanston Hospital, we were greeted with her infectious smile and cheer. She smiled and talked through all the pain she had endured in the prior few days. This included her diagnosis she had already accepted with more positivity than anyone could ever imagine. Kim’s calmness and amazing attitude through every hospital stay and procedure was beyond incredible. All of us marveled at Kim’s strength and courage.

Then in December 1999 we had the pleasure to meet ‘itty bitty baby’ McKenzie. All Eric could say is ‘she is so little, she looks like a doll’. Kim smiled with pride even though she had just undergone multiple procedures including a long labor with McKenzie.

We are all so proud of Kim for doing such a fabulous job raising her family as she battled brain cancer for 26 years. Kim’s grace, grit and determination was unmatched.

It was truly an honor to watch Kim be the best mother to Quinn, Connor, Morgan & McKenzie. A great example and role model for all of us. It was so encouraging and uplifting to see Kim continue to knock everything out of the park, no matter how big or small the challenge was. Kim was her kid’s rock and loudest cheerleader no matter what was happening in their life. She always found time for them around all your health needs and appointments … no matter what.

The one memory I am choosing to highlight through photos is when Morgan honored Kim by running  her 1st Chicago Marathon in October 2022.

The pride Kim expressed to me knowing Morgan did this for her is something I will always remember.

May fond memories of Kim keep her spirit in everyone’s hearts forever and ever!  

It was May 1990 when I met Kim. The kids were outside playing in the yard when Kim drove up to the house next door.  She had her hair pulled back into a pony tail and a big smile when she immediately walked over to introduce herself.  She was as open, genuine, and friendly as anyone could be  

A short time later Tom and Kim moved into the house next door with their two cats, Nixon and Bear.   

We had the privilege of watching Tom and Kim beginning to build their life together. They got their first dog, Maggie and then along came Quinn and Connor.  Our families shared many wonderful times together in Colorado before they moved back to Illinois where Morgan and McKenzie were born and a wonderful family was complete.

Despite Kim’s long battle with cancer, her love of her family is what defined her.  They were her main concern and focus and she was theirs. Tom and the kids gave her life meaning and purpose beyond her own. A life well lived and a family well raised gives meaning beyond a single lifetime. Kim lives on through them and their future is hers. A legacy she was and is( as she looks down from heaven ) still proud of .

We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this time.

Your Curran Family

My sincere Condolences Tom, your amazing kids, and to all that love Kim.

From grade school to U of I and our 7 guys & 7 girls house where Tom met and fell in love with our roommate Kim in ‘87/88 - it was so beautiful to watch the joy, purpose, love, and incredible family this woman with the heart of gold and strength of steel blessed Tom with.

Kim, you were, and will continue to be an inspiration on how to prioritize what is important in life - and how to fight and persevere against all odds with a smile on your face and an overabundance of dignity.

RIP Kim❤️

Bill Thompson

When we met in fifth grade, I immediately knew you were a special person. Your positive outlook and kindness were a welcome distraction from the dysfunction that had brought me to Northern Illinois. Over the years, our friendship endured middle school, high school, college, marriage, motherhood, illness, and even physical distance.

I remember how, as young girls, you often talked about wanting to grow up and become a mother. When illness threatened that dream, you gave a big f*#% you to cancer and, against all odds, lived to see your beautiful children grow into adulthood. Every phone call brought updates about their latest achievements and relationships, and the pride in your voice always brought me joy.

I will forever cherish the time we spent together this summer. Even as illness slowly took its toll, you remained the upbeat, hopeful, and loving friend I have always known. I will miss you.