Early Kauss Xmas with Kim & Family

Tom & Kim's Wedding Day

I cannot think of Kim without thinking about Family - she was such a central part of our Family. From our early University of Illinois days meeting her at my cousin Tom’s house along with their poor cat Nixon. To this day, Kim remains #1 amongst us cousins in best handling our horrendous pig’s head tradition – being the first of us cousins to experience "The Pig" in such an epic way. (OMG I can’t believe we put her through that! What must Linda & Steve, Brad and the rest of your family still think of us to this day⁉️) 🤣

I can’t imagine any other bride who could handle this with such joy and class! ❤️

So many cherished memories with you at the heart of them all…❤️

Then there’s sharing the apartment in Old Town Chicago with Tom and Ted. Still remember kidnapping Grandpa from Artesian bringing him to our apartment to trim the tree as us cousins renewed or full family xmas celebration after Grandma’s passing. Not only did we survive Old Town (and Teddy’s two very large smelly snakes!), but we kept the large Kauss family celebrating Christmas together to this day.

Remember visiting you and Tom in Denver when you were first pregnant with Quinn. You were both so excited and so very young! So young still!💜

Then, of course, there’s all those concerts you kept dragging Tom to - poor Tom 😃

Like Mr. Blotto’s or more and more of the Cheese...

I can't think of Family without you, Kim. You continued to be so amazing as you faced each and every cancer treatment with resolve, determination, and a ton of upbeat attitude! You continued to be the happiest person in the room!

You persevered through 26 years of too many surgeries; bone marrow, chemo and radiation treatments, and countless side effects that would have crippled the heartiest Seal Team Six. Perhaps that's been your secret weapon all along, you've always had the biggest and most loving heart! You started this epic journey as the first success story chronicled in Evanston Northwestern Hospital's annual report as an amazing miracle beating back this incredibly aggressive glioma brain tumor (and birthing an amazing daughter while doing it!)

Wrapping all your family’s love and support around you like another one of Grandma’s Quilts, even as you had to relearn how to talk, think, hold a fork, be a mom, wife and laugh again, finding your balance from horse rides with Saidi. I'm so sorry for what you had to go through, Kim. My heart breaks for what you, Tom, McKenzie, Morgan, Connor, Quinn, the Quinns, Kausses, your whole family and friends had to endure. And for such pain from your loss.

You didn't deserve such heartbreak, but you took it with loving determined resolve. With a smile stronger than any galvanized steel could ever hope to be. 💙

And then you kept battling through new revisions time and time again, while still you and Tom raised an absolutely amazing Family!

And I know this loving spirit started early with you. From your Prom Queen, Sports (Basketball, Softball, Pom Pons) and Academics (Baccalaureate) Stud days – you were the center of all your teams and friends - and our Family!

Thank you for sharing all your loving spirit with us, Kim! You were a beacon of resilience and selflessness, radiating positivity, warmth, and unwavering strength - truly an inspiration to us all!

My heart breaks for your loss - for our Family's great loss!

All my Love❤️

Patrick

The Kauss's were my next door neighbors... and I had the pleasure of growing up with the kids as my childhood best friends. I went over to their house almost every day to play. We played pokemon cards, video games, hide & seek, wall ball, baseball... you know name it, we played it. And Kim played such an important role in that, especially after my mom died. I was only 7 years old when she died, and I found myself leaning on the Kauss's A LOT during that season of my life (trying to figure out my new normal). In all of that, Kim NEVER failed to be present for me. While I wasn't her child, she me took into her home all the time... making sure that I was cared for & loved on in almost the same way she did for her own children. I have too many memories to share, but I will say this... looking back on my childhood and struggling with the idea of feeling robbed of having a mother, that wound doesn't feel as heavy knowing Kim was there. I can't even reflect on my childhood and not see her playing a major part in my life. She was the most loving & tender woman... and even watching her fight her on & off battle against with cancer growing up broke my heart given how unique and special of a person she was (and still is, because through God... we live on). My heart truly goes out to the family, and know that I love you all so much. Thank you for having been apart of my life (at the most crucial time), and thank you Kim... for making an impact on my life I will never, ever, forget. 

Aunt Kim at our wedding. I love this picture :)

I had the pleasure of first meeting Aunt Kim while Ben and I were dating. She was kind and welcoming, and immediately made me feel like I'd been part of the family for years. Every time we saw her, she was happy, positive and always focused on how our lives were going regardless of what was going on in hers. She always thought about our girls, spoiled them with cute gifts, and texted to check in on them and us. I read some memories about her 7 layer dip -- but she also made a ridiculously delicious avocado dip. She brought that to something once a few years ago and we have been making it almost weekly ever since. It's small but also reminds us of her every time we start chopping.   I am grateful to have met Aunt Kim -- she will be deeply missed.

Kim has been a part of our family for so many years, a joyful and connective presence—a laugh or a smile never far off, always willing to pull up a chair and discuss coming plans or share the latest news on one of her treasured children. Her love for Tom and her children was boundless, and she always knew every beat of their lives, no matter how far away they might be.

I remember special times with her at Pine Lake, relaxing around the bonfire with her dog Elwood dashing up every once in a while to fan the flames with his giant tail, and how sweet she was with him.

Way back in college, I remember meeting Kim when she was just starting to date Tom, and they had adopted a tiny kitten and named it Nixon… She was so beautiful, too, when they got married. I remember all of us dancing around her in a circle, as “Some Kind of Wonderful” boomed from the speakers. She was indeed some kind of wonderful, and she will be greatly missed. 

When my daughter Alyse had twins, she also had an 18 month old.  I helped her husband Matt two days a week and Matt’s mom helped two days a week.  We needed more help. I placed an add in our church bulletin.  Kim called and said she might be interested .  We chatted and Kim was all about helping.  I really feel she was sent from god.  Kim’s personality was very calming.  She also was an expert in babies!!!  We were so lucky to know her over the years.  She really considered my grandchildren as her grandchildren.  And they loved Kim.  Kim went on to help another of my daughters with her little ones .  Our whole family considered Kim family.  I felt we were friends.   I also considered her an angel on earth.  We will miss Kim dearly.  

I am so sorry for your loss.  Kim was always very sweet to me.  She had a kind soul and a sweet personality with each and everyone of us.  We always voted for her on our Homecoming Courts  Genoa Days queen ect…  She was simply a genuine beautiful lady!  She had a calmness about her that I’m sure everyone loved.   Rest in Peace Kim 🙏

Tom and Kim coming to town for Morgan's White Coat Ceremony

Kim is and always has been an inspiration to me.  Her smile lit up any room she was in and her positivity was infectious. Words can't express what an incredible person she was and how much she will be missed.  

4th of July

Kim was such a special person and she will be in our hearts forever. She was a wonderful sister in law, Godmother to Ryan, and an amazing aunt. She raised four amazing kids and she loved and valued family above all else. Dan & I always enjoyed spending time with her - from our college days at University of Illinois to Colorado visits, family holidays and fun Pine Lake weekends together. Our kids always looked forward to being with their cousins. We had some great memories together in Cary and Pine Lake. No matter what Kim was going through, she always stayed positive and engaged with everyone around her. She cared deeply about others, always asking about us and our kids, and always remembered our birthdays.  She had a warm and beautiful spirit and had a way of making everyone around her feel welcome. Her love and strength will always inspire us and she will be forever loved.  

Aunt Kim represents so many core childhood memories for me. Visiting the Kauss fam was the highlight of my summers when growing up. She helped me learn how to ride a bike, would spend hours with us girls at the neighborhood pool, take us horseback riding, make the best 7 layer bean dip, would be front row while us girl cousins performed the same dance to the same song every night, and she always made me feel so loved. Aunt Kim is truly such kind and gentle soul who made such an amazing impact on my life. I’ll hold all those memories near and dear to my heart forever <3

Aunt Kim’s 7 layer taco dip was my favorite thing ever!! I have such great memories eating it after a long day of tubing on Pine Lake.

Kim is impossible to define by just one moment or memory. What I’ll always remember is how she made me feel. Kim was a warm hug.

Growing up, I looked forward to visiting family across the Midwest, especially the Kauss family in Cary, every summer. Those visits meant Texas BBQ, frog catching, horseback rides, and spending the night putting curlers into 5 little girl’s hair. When you are with the Kauss family, you are home, and Kim made sure you felt that way always.

I’ll miss her light. I’ll miss her warm hugs. She will never be forgotten and will always be loved by all the people whose lives she touched with that simple beautiful warmth.

Kim was a person who carried warmth wherever she went. She had a way of making others feel welcome, seen, and understood. She didn’t need to be the loudest voice in the room—her presence alone brought comfort. She loved deeply, and she showed that love in the way she cared for her family, supported her friends, and gave of herself to her community.

Our kids shared many years together in Trout Valley—years filled with children running through the woods, exploring paths and creek beds, and growing up with a sense of freedom and closeness to nature. Those were seasons of laughter, scraped knees, baseball and softball, and friendships that grew quietly and stayed rooted. Kim created a space where people felt safe and connected. For our children, she was someone they knew they could trust—someone who encouraged joy, kindness, and belonging.

As the years went on, and our children grew older, Kim’s heart remained just as open. She always wanted to hear about how the kids were doing—their milestones, their accomplishments, their joys. And she was equally eager to share the successes of her own children, with such pride and love in her voice. To her, those stories were the threads that continued to connect us. She never stopped loving deeply, or celebrating the good in others.

Kim was also truly generous—with her time, her energy, and her resources. Whether it was helping a friend in need, volunteering, or simply showing up when someone was struggling, she never hesitated. Even when she herself was carrying burdens, she chose to give. That was simply who she was: thoughtful, present, and open-hearted.

Even during the hardest moments of her own journey, Kim continued to show strength, grace, and devotion. She put her family first, always. She remained supportive, loyal, and giving—offering what she could, when she could. That quiet, steady love is something we will always remember.

We carry her in the memories that bring us comfort, in the lessons she taught without ever needing to speak them aloud, and in the love she shared that continues to live on in each of us.

Though her time here feels far too short, her impact is lasting.
Her spirit continues in the laughter of her children, in the love she nurtured, and in the hearts of every person her life touched. 

Our hearts and deepest sympathy are with her family—especially with Tom, and the kids. Please know that you are surrounded by love, by support, and by a community that holds you close during this time.

May we honor Kim by showing the same gentle strength… the same generosity… the same steady kindness that she shared so freely.

I am so sorry for your loss.  Kim was a selfless, giving, caring person to everyone she met.   We were neighbors for 12 years and our girls spent so much time at the Kauss' house as Kim was always welcoming to them.  I was sad when they moved to Michigan and didn't get to see Kim much after, but she was always so good with staying in touch with Christmas cards or a quick text on Mothers Day!  Rest in Peace Kim- Heaven gained a new star

I am so sorry for your loss. I always looked forward to chatting with Kim at the Kauss functions, and she always took the time to ask me about my life updates at every Klassic. She lit up the room with her positive energy and bright smile, and I admire her for so many reasons. She pushed through with so much grace and a fantastic attitude, and I will always remember her for her immense strength. 

I met Kim 36 years ago and the word that comes to mind when I think of her is welcoming. She made me and everyone around feel so welcome and comfortable at family get togethers. She was also one of the most positive, kind people I have ever met. What a privilege to have known her.  Her goodness shines through in her beautiful family. 

I am moved to tears at this news. I am at a loss for words. I have started to write a few simple lines and keep getting stuck. I am deeply saddened as are so many others. Growing up in Genoa was a magical place in the late 70s and early 80s. Knowing Kim, the family and the community in simpler times are forever etched in my memory. My fondness for those times are only matched by my fondness for Kim. It has been many years since I have seen Kim, but hearing the news, I feel compelled to let her family and friends know that she lives on in so many ways and I hope you find comfort knowing we will all see her again. Please accept my deepest sympathies.