Kimberly Anne Kessenich, age 43, of Ada, Michigan, passed away on September 18, 2025, after 20 years of debilitating chronic pain. She was preceded in death by her cousin, Joshua Morris; her maternal grandfather, Richard McNee; her paternal grandparents, Richard and Mary Ellen Kessenich; her uncles, Kevin McNee and Brian McNee.
Kimberly (Kim, Kimi, Kiki) will be deeply missed by her parents, Joseph and Cynthia Kessenich; her sister, Jessica (Jordan) Stricklen; nephews, Drake and Dax; sister, Katie (Paul) Edwards; nephews, Isaiah and Gabe; nieces, Sophia and Chloe; brother, Ted (Ashley) Bodien; niece, Sadie; and nephew, Max; grandmother, Ruthe McNee; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Kim earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology at Grand Valley State University and had been accepted into the Physician Assistant program at GVSU. A creative and artistic spirit, she found joy in nature photography, sculpting, and drawing, always eager to explore new mediums. Her love for music began early as she played string bass throughout her high school years, developing a lifelong appreciation for orchestral music.
Kim also loved to travel and was fortunate to visit Japan and Europe. She was also fascinated by astronomy and witnessed two total solar eclipses with her parents. Her love of the outdoors drew her to mountain and desert experiences. She loved the Great Lakes!
Kim held a deep compassion for others and a strong desire to serve the underserved. She was a bright light in our world and an inspiration to those who knew and loved her.
Visitation with the family will be held from 5-6:30PM on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road SE. Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49546, with a Rosary service at 6:30PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM on Friday, October 17, 2025, at St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church, 6477 Ada Drive SE, Ada, Michigan, 49301, with visitation one hour prior. Fr. Tony Russo presiding.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Samuel Omogo Foundation, 1751 28th St. SW Wyoming, Michigan 49519, contributions will be matched until November 1, 2025.
10 Responses
Kimi is resting in the arms of Christ. Free of pain. May His love surround you and bring you peace
Aunt Sherry
A creative and beautiful person, inside and out, has left us, and it feels like too soon. For this, we extend our sincere condolences to the entire family. With love, Kathleen and Jim Oliver
Cindy and Joe, Ana and I are deeply sorry for your loss. Please know we are thinking of you. George and Ana Taruc.
Cindy and Joe. My heart goes out to you in the loss of Kimberly Anne. I am so happy your deep faith will help you endure life without Kim and you have the knowledge you will see her again. God Bless You and her family.
Love Marge
Dearest Cindy and Joe, My heart aches for the loss of your most precious, I know the depth of that feeling, I accompany you in your pain.
What keeps us walking is the knowledge that Kimi is now a Beautiful Angel in heaven, totally healed, spreading love and laughter and from there she is looking after you and all of her family sending rich Blessings to all.
Love you so much, Martita
Your family touched my heart the moment I met you. I celebrate that Kim is free of her earthly body, free of pain and dancing among the stars. Supporting you and family in prayer during this hardest of all times. Sending warm hugs and prayers.
Cindy, Joe, and Jess – words fail, as I only partially know the struggles and challenges you have faced trying to bring Kim through these incredibly difficult years. Doe & I both send our love, hugs, and hope for the peace of a healing path, going forward… Love, Joe & Doe
Dear Cindy and Joe,
I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet daughter. I know she’s in heaven, keeping an eye on us and we will see her when we get there. From the bottom of my heart I loved that girl. I love you both.
Love, Corrie Galle’
Unbearably tragic. Kim and I dated 2006-2009 and were deeply in love. We were good
friends from college then our relationship took a romantic turn when she visited me in
Japan. What was supposed to be a short week turned into two because we were having so
much fun. After that trip, Kim went on a vision quest retreat in the desert in which she slept
on the ground and that is when her hip and back pain started. I also returned to MI, and
shortly after, we started dating. She was in debilitating pain for the majority of our
relationship, but throughout it all, she maintained her positive attitude and sense of humor.
She was witty, clever, compassionate, and had an adventurous spirit. We had many good
memories – boating, camping, road trips (many of which she was lying in the back on a
makeshift hospital bed to relieve the pain), weddings, and time at the Kessenich cabin on
Pike Lake – kayaking, bonfires, and picking stones on Lake Superior. But as much as she
didn’t want to burden others, it was torture for her to not be able to do all of the active
things she loved. As her condition regressed, I spent many hours on her couch and with my
feet under their table, but eventually hit the limit of help and care that I was able to provide.
And consistent with her selflessness and generosity, she wanted to set me free to move on
with my life. God bless her parents and family who were able to care for her much longer
than I was. Breaking up in early 2009 was the hardest thing I have ever done. Writing this is
the second hardest. I lost Kimi 17 years ago, but now the world also lost this beautiful soul.
I never stopped praying for her healing, and of course this is not how we wanted that to
happen, but can be thankful she is finally free of the pain
We were so saddened and shocked to hear that Kimi had passed. She is now resting comfortably in the arms of Jesus. I hope you will feel some peace as well knowing that you gave Kimi great love and care. She was blessed to have you in her life ❤️.
Prayers are with you,
Beth and Ken