Kimberly Kay Herrling

MIDDLETON - After a 17-year journey with breast cancer, Kimberly Kay (Rowley) Herrling, a proud mother and office employee of Piggly Wiggly of Waunakee, Wis., passed away peacefully in the embrace of family, on Dec. 17, 2019, in Madison, Wis., at the age of 52. Kim is survived by her children, Whitnee (Leighton) Otto, Jordann Herrling and Sydnee Herrling; her parents, Edward and Catherine Rowley; siblings; Steve (Marianne) Rowley, Suzanne (Richard) Wipperfurth and Deborah Rowley. Kim was born in Newton, Iowa on Aug. 11, 1967. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Kim was married to Thomas Herrling for 20 years, bringing three daughters into the world. Kimberly was a devoted mother and grandmother and she was especially proud of her daughter’s accomplishments. Whitnee, married to Leighton Otto in July of 2018, is a medical student residing in Chicago, Ill., graduating this year with her doctoral degree. Kim loved being a grandmother to Aspyn, Whitnee’s step-daughter. Kim adored Aspyn. They spent time together reading stories, playing with Play-Doh, and having pretend tea parties. Currently, Whitnee’s family is growing with a little boy on the way, that will be born any day now! Kim was ecstatic to meet her first grandson. Jordann, Kim’s middle daughter, attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout, obtaining a degree in Psychology. Jordann pursued her dream of owning a child-care center in Chippewa Falls, Wis. Kim very much enjoyed visiting the daycare center and assisting in decorating the facility for various holidays. In addition, Jordann and her boyfriend, Reed Sorensen, recently became homeowners in Bloomer, Wis. with their two dogs, Daizy and Denali. Sydnee, the youngest daughter, graduates from the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse this coming May with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Kim and Sydnee shared a special bond and mutually enjoyed spending time together making memories; hiking at Devil’s lake, hot-tubbing at Kim’s house, biking and going on walks, as well as having picnics in the park. Kim was passionate about visiting each of her daughters on weekends and cooking warm meals for them when they visited her home. She especially loved preparing for Christmas. Her thoughtful gifts and beautiful decorations were something that she was very passionate about and her daughters looked forward to every year. Kim was employed at Piggly Wiggly of Waunakee, and will be remembered for her charismatic, and warm customer care. In her free time, Kim also enjoyed traveling with her fiancé, James King, and spending quality time with his two children, William and Courtney. They had plans of buying a home together and marriage in the future. James’ devotion for Kim was greatly noticed and genuinely appreciated by her daughters. We would like to graciously acknowledge UW Carbone Cancer Center in Madison, especially Dr. Huie for all of the care and compassion Kimberly received. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m on Monday, Dec. 23, 2019, with Father Brian Wilk presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 4 p.m until 7 p.m on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the start of Mass on Monday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761