About Katie

Born in Madison on April 28, 1984, Katie grew up in Fitchburg and attended Verona schools where she excelled in vocal music and drama. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and her master’s degree from the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign in social work. She was tirelessly devoted to helping people suffering with mental illness and addiction, and was always there to put others’ needs in front of her own.

On January 15th of 2013 Katie and her husband Peter welcomed Grace Elizabeth into their lives.  In Katie's words, "Everyday with Gracie is the best day!" There was nothing more important to her than being the best mom possible.  She so loved her little Gracie. 

Katie's immediate and extended families were also vitally important to her.  Her fondest memories were family vacations in Door County, special trips with her mom and extended visits to southwest Wisconsin to spend time with her grandparents and their close-knit community in Hazel Green, Wisconsin.  She was frequently described as having on old soul as she easily connected with people from many walks of life and often generations older than her own.  She was easily loved by so many. 

Katie was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia in July of 2015.   For a year she was under the excellent care of the medical staff at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore where she underwent several treatments including a bone marrow transplant from her brother Brian. She endured these treatments with incredible courage and strength, and throughout continued to put others first. While these treatments did allow her to spend more valuable time with her beloved daughter and other loved ones, ultimately the cancer took her life on July 16th, 2016. 

Katie's kind and generous spirit lives on through her daughter Gracie and the goodness that resides in all of us.  She is deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know her.