Katie Lynn Berghoef

Katie Lynn Berghoef, age 42, of Lowell, Michigan, passed away on February 5, 2026, after a more than three-year courageous battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Born in Grand Rapids to her parents, Mark Berghoef and Pamela Quick, Katie was known for her strong spirit, her bright and beautiful smile, and an energy that was truly contagious.

A familiar and welcoming face in the city of Lowell, Katie was a cherished member of the community, especially through her years of working in local restaurants, where her warmth, humor, and kindness made everyone feel at home. She formed deep and lasting friendships, turning coworkers into lifelong friends and neighbors into an extended family. Katie loved cheering on her children at sporting events, singing karaoke, spending time with close friends, and could often be found walking her beloved dog, Bear Bear, along the river.

She found great joy in the simple pleasures of Michigan life, especially time spent at Dodge Lake in Manistique, exploring the Quick Tree Farm, and rockhounding along the shores of the Great Lakes. Whether attending concerts, sitting around a bonfire, cheering on the Detroit Lions, or enjoying the freshwater lakes she loved so much, Katie lived fully and enthusiastically, embracing each moment with joy—and never passing up good food or good company along the way.

Above all else, Katie was a devoted and loving mother to her children, Mason, Madison (Maddie), and Paisley who were the absolute center of her world. Her love for them was fierce, unconditional, and constant. She was their biggest cheerleader, their steady support, and their safe place, always present, always encouraging, and endlessly proud. Every decision she made was guided by her love for her children, and her devotion to them was the heartbeat of her life. Katie’s loyal partner, Ryan, was her rock through every challenge, offering steadfast love, support, and companionship that strengthened her in ways words cannot fully express.

Following her diagnosis in July 2022 at the age of 39, Katie faced her journey with ALS with remarkable strength, grace, and resilience. Her courage in the face of adversity inspired all who knew her. Grounded in a deep faith in God and a steadfast belief in heaven, she faced each day with hope, peace, and unwavering trust. Katie will be remembered not for her illness, but for the love she gave so freely, the laughter she shared, and the powerful impact she had on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy of love, courage, and joy will live on in the hearts of her children, family, friends, and the Lowell community she cherished.

Katie was preceded in death by her mother, Pamela Quick; grandparents, John P. Quick, Marcella Quick, and Willem Berghoef. She is survived by her husband, Ryan Kuipers; children, Mason Brown, Madison Brown, and Paisley Kuipers; father Mark (Aleta) Berghoef; parents-in-law, Rick and Sue Kuipers; grandmother, Millie Berghoef (Oma); brothers, Steven Berghoef, Taylor Balczak; sisters, Sara Berghoef, Paige Balczak; siblings-in-law, Kelly (Jairo) Solano, Kristen (John) Witvoet, Kerry Kuipers; aunts and uncles, John (Christy) Quick, Paula Quick, Robert Berghoef, Judy (Brian) Mulder; many nieces and nephews; and beloved canine companion, Barry.

Family will greet friends and relatives from 2-4PM and 6-8PM on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Roth-Gerst Funeral Home, 305 N. Hudson Lowell, Michigan 49331. Memorial services will take place at 6PM on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Impact Church, 11840 Fulton St E, Lowell, MI 49331. Pastor Ryan Kresge officiating. Interment Hiawatha Cemetery, Manistique, Michigan.

Memorial Contributions can be sent to the Discretionary Trust FBO of Katie Lynn Berghoef at Lake Michigan Credit Union for her children’s education Fund, Faith Hospice, or Susan Mast Foundation.