Kim Bockenhauer

Kim's funeral will be live-streamed from the following link. https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcwMzc1MTE5NTI4NzY5MCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Kimberly Bockenhauer, a loving mother, daughter, sister, friend, and new grandmother, passed away at the age of 54. Kim was born on May 28, 1969. She was the beloved daughter of Wayne and Marilyn Getz; she and her sister Janet were raised in Utica, MN, and attended school in St. Charles, MN. 

Kim was known for her kindness, generosity, and love for her daughters and family. She had a hug waiting for anyone who crossed her path and brought love and light into every room she walked into. She was a true friend to many and knew how to make people feel valued, smart, and loved. She was unapologetically herself. She loved to joke and made everyone laugh. She taught her loved ones not to take life so seriously, to relax under the sun, and most importantly, to laugh often and have fun. 

Kim and Janet were each other’s first friends. “The greatest gift our parents ever gave us was each other.“ They would say. Their father, Wayne, remembers Kim and Janet having fun as kids and being pranksters in Utica. After graduating high school, Kim later graduated from Winona Vo-Tech for cosmetology and married Dean Bockenhauer in 1994. The couple had two daughters, Kelsi Bockenhauer and Alexa Kajangu (Bockenhauer). Kim and Dean were later divorced.  

Kim and her sister Janet spent much time raising their kids together and making cherished memories. Most weekends, you could find the girls and their kids boating on the Mississippi River with their parents, Wayne and Marilyn. Kim also shared a close bond with her nephews, Cole and Lucas Westergaard. Kim’s sister Janet will miss their many talks and Kim's positivity. Kim was always just a phone call, text, or emoji away. Janet could count on her for great advice, a good laugh, and day-to-day life updates. 

Kim worked as a cosmetologist at His and Hers Salon in Winona, MN, for over twenty years. Kim was well-loved in this community by her many clients and her coworkers, who became friends. She cut hair for hundreds of college students over the years, and her favorite regular client was her nephew Lucas, who lived just a few blocks from the salon. She also provided home visit haircuts for many aging clients who grew to love and trust her. She had a gift for making people feel comfortable and loved. 

Kim raised her daughters in St. Charles, MN, and enjoyed living on Whispering Hills for many years, which was in close proximity to her parents. She was seen walking the neighborhood every day and always offered a wave. Kim welcomed friends and family into her home at any time in St. Charles and was referred to as a 'second mom' or 'bonus mom' by many of her daughters' friends. Kim never missed Kelsi and Alexa's activities. From signing up as parent chaperon for elementary school field trips to showing up on time for every one of their sporting events throughout high school, Kim never missed a beat for her girls. She loved watching Kelsi play volleyball and still talked about it frequently. Kim has always been inspired and in awe of Alexa's musical talents and showed support by going to her band gigs, watching her sing in church, sharing her new songs online, and singing along to her songs in the car. Kim cheered her daughters on at high school and college graduations and continued to support them as they moved away from Minnesota. As close as their bond was, she always encouraged her daughters to follow their dreams and made sure they knew they had her blessing wherever life took them. 

After the girls graduated high school, Kim moved out of Minnesota with her partner, David Paul. She and David have spent the last ten years together. Kim and Dave followed their dream of living in Florida. They wanted to be somewhere that was warm and sunny year-round and near to her daughter Alexa. Kim and Dave were residing in Palm Coast, Florida, in a beautiful house they had just turned into a bright, comfy home. She hosted all of her family there throughout this past year and enjoyed seeing her loved ones sunbathe by the pool, wake up to her french toast and bacon, go for paddle board rides, and, of course, get a free haircut in the kitchen. Kim and Dave were fun hosts, to say the least. They also traveled the world together, most recently to Bali, Indonesia, and Machu Picchu, Peru. Kim was grateful to spend many years with Dave, whom she always referred to as the love of her life. 

Kim visited her parents, family, and childhood friends in Minnesota this past summer, and she talked about how great the trip was for weeks afterward. Kim loved her mother Marilyn's home-cooked meals, especially soups and fried fish. (of which you wouldn't dare ask her to share a bite.) She would laugh often and roll her eyes at her dad’s witty jokes. She loved her mom's flower garden and would take many pictures so that she could still enjoy them back in Florida. She joked that her mother had the most beautiful garden, yet she couldn't grow a weed. Marilyn remembers precious time together watching movies and cuddling on the couch with Kim, even through adulthood. When Kim headed back to Florida after her visit this summer, she left her mom a handwritten note with a big heart saying, "Mom, I will always love you and I miss you." Her daughters also know the joy and surprise of finding these love letters, as she often left a note hiding in your bag before a big trip or under your pillow after a visit. She sent handwritten cards for every holiday and special event. 

Kim spent much of 2023 helping daughter Alexa prepare for the birth of her first child, Kim's first grandchild. Henry was born to parents Alexa and Riffin Kajangu just days after Kim's passing. Kim was very proud of Alexa and so grateful to be a grandma, something she had always wished for. She had his clothes and baby swimsuit in a drawer at her house, presents for him under her Christmas tree, and puppy chow ingredients left out on the counter to make after her daughter gave birth. 

Kim was an amazing woman who fought against the horrible disease of alcohol addiction. Kim felt strengthened by her relationship with God and grew her faith through her bible study and serving her community through Church events. Kim also attended AA groups and felt grateful for all those in her AA community who shared their stories with her and gave her hope and strength. Kim is also remembered as a beacon of hope to many in her community, and always tried to support those around her in their struggles. Many people felt comforted by Kim and knew they could turn to her in times of need. Kim touched the lives of many.

Kim's daughters and family know her battle and fight and will forever remember the strong, gentle, and loving woman that she truly was. Her daughters and loved ones will forever keep her kind and joyful spirit in their hearts. Kelsi and Alexa will remember the sound of her laugh, the warmth of her hugs, and her infinite love for them. 

Kim is survived by her parents, Wayne and Marilyn Getz, children Kelsi Bockenhauer and Alexa Kajangu, son-in-law Riffin Kajangu, and Sister Janet (Joe) Brinkman; Kim’s partner David Paul; nephews Cole and Lucas Westergaard, and grandson Henry Kajangu.  

She is preceded in death by grandparents Robert and Mable Roth and grandparents Sylvester and Helen Getz. 

Kim’s Celebration of Life service will be on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 11 am at Hoff Funeral Home in St. Charles, MN., with Funeral Celebrant Jodi Heim officiating. A visitation will be held from 4:00- 7:00 pm on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, and one hour before services on Thursday at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles, MN. www.hofffuneral.com