Katelyn Nicole Oryall

Katelyn Nicole Oryall

April 08, 1990 - April 17, 2024

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Obituary

FITCHBURG - Katelyn N. Oryall, age 34, of Fitchburg, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Meriter Hospital.


Kate was born on April 8, 1990, in Madison, Wis., to Jeffrey and Lauren (Ingold) Oryall. She grew up in Madison alongside her brother, Daniel. Kate graduated from Verona High School in 2008 and went on to Edgewood College, where she earned her B.S. in Special Education and Child Life. She worked as an Early Education Teacher for various school districts in the Madison area and most recently Bee Balm Learning Center in Madison.


Kate’s dedication to young minds was endless. She started her journey volunteering in a 4K readiness program with high needs children. That experience imprinted on her the desire to one day become a teacher and impact young kids daily. Her greatest accomplishments came with the birth of her two children, Carter and Emeilia. She loved animals big and small, and even earned the nickname “Bugs” because of the numerous collections of jars she accumulated during the summer months. Known to some as “Katie-O Cheerio,” her smile was infectious and ever present while engaging in activities she enjoyed most. Some of these included cheering for the Badgers and Packers, expressing her artsy side with her creations of tie-dye. Her most favorite time was spent at the family’s lake cabin, sitting on the dock watching the sunset and watching the rainbow flames around the fire pit. She valued her friends immensely and talked of them as family, reflecting deeply and often on how they touched her life.


In the shock of Kate’s passing, a bright light was being able to honor her wish of organ donation, providing potential life to others. Kate would be so proud that she was able to provide a source of hope during a moment when they needed it most.


Katelyn is survived by her parents, Jeffrey and Lauren; brother, Daniel (Kera) Oryall; son, Carter and daughter, Emeilia; maternal grandmother, June Ingold; and numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.  She was preceded in death by grandparents, Ronald and Donna Oryall and William Ingold.


A Celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, 2024.


In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family for an educational fund for Carter and Emeilia. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002


Events

02
Celebration of Life
Thu May 2, 2024 @ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care • 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
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Memories

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Patrick Mahoney
Other •
One of my favorite memories of Kate was when she worked at STAR Cinema with me and we ran around movie theater parking lot in pouring rain and splashing in big puddles singing Singin in the Rain.
RO
Rita Off
Other •
I hadn’t known Katelyn long but I found her to be such a good and caring person. I truly enjoyed her company and conversation. And she had a comical side to her too. Her children were respectful and mannerly. Two of the nicest children I’ve ever met. The very first time I met Carter he shook my hand and said “So nice to meet you.” He then asked if he could hug me. I said I’d love to have a hug! We hugged and he had such a nice big smile. Katelyn raised her children well. She will be missed 🙏🏻❤️
MJ
Mary Jones
Other •
Laurie, Jeff and Dan, We are so sorry to hear about Kates’ death. Memories of her are from long ago involving birthday parties and all things fun. Thinking of you all - Love, Mary and Barry Jones Family
JF
Joel Finkelman
Other •
We met Katelyn when she began to connect with our son at Bee Balm. At the time our son was having a lot of trouble breaking out of his shell. He was sweet but anxiety-ridden. Everything was scary, potty-training had failed a couple of times at home, and we were all struggling. Then our son and Katelyn met and block by block some of the walls that he had put up began to come down. He was more communicative, social with other children, and potty-training began to slowly develop in a positive direction. While I think it's fair to give my son some of the credit, Katelyn (amongst others as well at Bee Balm) had a major impact. Not just an impact on my son's future, but on us as parents as we for the first time began to see our son thrive. Safe to say we will be eternally grateful for Katelyn and are truly heartbroken to have heard of her passing. Love, The Finkelman Family
LS
Leslie S.
Other •
My heart is broken over the loss of Katelyn. We had the privilege of having Katelyn care for and teach our child at BBLC. She kept my baby safe and love and cared for him which, as a parent, is the most important thing. She fostered his earliest education and shared in the village it takes to raise a child. She spoke of her babies often. I loved chatting with Katelyn about her children. She loved them all endlessly and was so looking forward to the next chapter of her life and welcoming the newest member of her family. She often shared what the kids were up to, offered her parenting advice, ideas on how to best support children and referred to what she learned as a parent as gifts and the best lessons. She loved her family lake house, purple skittles, sweet potato chips and crunchy carrots. She was giving and shared her love, experiences and friendship generously. For her children: your mom talked about you daily. She shared how smart, fun and joyful you are. She was so proud of you. She was so proud of the tradition in your family that each child names their sibling. I know she was so grateful for all her children, loved each of you with all her selfless heart. None of this tragedy makes any sense but the one thing you can hold on to is that your mom made a difference in this world. She made a mark on every child she cared for and will be carried on in everyone she touched. She will not be forgotten. She mattered to me, to my child, to everyone that had the privilege to know her. The pain of her loss will lesson and her love and memories will remain. But for now, you are not alone in the hurt and should remember that you hurt because you love so deeply. Holding your family in my heart. With love, Leslie S.
SG
Samantha Gartman
Other •
My favorite memory of Kate is when we would do our "family" dinners. We would get together with our babies, and our two other best friends Jenny and Danielle. We would laugh, cry, eat. Whatever that week needed. Kate was an amazing friend. I will miss her forever.

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