Obituaries : Kimberly “Kim” Junge

Kimberly "Kim" Junge
9/19/1960 - 5/20/2025

One of the advantages-maybe the only one-of a terminal diagnosis is that you can write your own obituary, and that's what I've done. Not to suggest that my family wouldn't have raved about the phenomenal person I was… I'm just not taking any chances.

My story begins on September 19, 1960, when I was born to two of the most wonderful people in the world: Alfred Kajer and Marlene Crabtree. My dad was a farmer, and my mom was a nurse. I was the firstborn-one of three children-and have held that title of Number One ever since. My siblings: Kristie, Number Two, and my brother AJ, Number Three. We had the privilege of growing up on a farm in Toledo, Iowa. I loved growing up on the farm, loved my family, and knew they loved me.

I played six-person girls' basketball in high school and was good enough… okay, I was tall enough. At 6'4", I didn't have to be good. That height earned me a college scholarship, and I followed in my mom's footsteps, becoming a nurse.

I enjoyed all the jobs I had-even before college-including my first job at the school's media center, where I stapled papers and cut flannelgraph (you younger folks may need to Google this). Each one of these opportunities expanded my knowledge and increased my circle. Most importantly, one job brought me in contact with the one who would lead me to a saving knowledge of Jesus.

I had two children, Jill and Leah, and they just happen to be two of my most favorite people. Jill passed away in September of 2023. I've missed her every day since. But no more! We are both in that place Jesus promised to all who believe in Him-and we did!

I met Roger, the love of my life, in January of 2003, and we were married in October of that same year. He came as a package deal, having three children: Tracy, Katie, and Eric-one of the better packages I ever received! There's no way to put into a few words the life Roger and I have enjoyed together. There's truly something special when you marry your soulmate-and I did. We watched our children grow, marry, and have children of their own. We traveled, enjoyed friends, and served together.

My greatest blessings call me Grandma-all 14 of them: Ellie, Elaina, Amelia, Gia, Avia, Owen, Lila, Nora, Finley, Margot, Asher, Lily, Eisley, and Elliot. This group will change the world! In a nutshell, Roger and I simply enjoyed doing life together, and did so for 22 years.

To my MANY friends (and you know who you are), you added such encouragement and joy to my life-only the angels themselves could have done it better. Thank you.

My visitation, celebration of life, and a good old-fashioned Gospel message will be held at Prairie Bible Church in Cedar Rapids on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Visitation will take place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., with the service beginning at 3:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make a financial contribution to Revolution Community Church in my memory. No one in my circle has ever ministered to-and entertained-more strangers (likely some angels and Jesus Himself-see Hebrews 13:2 and Matthew 25:37-40) than my friend Pastor Bill and his team.

I was given the gift of an earthly life, and now I have the gift of eternal life. I was greeted by my dad Alfie, my sister Kristie, and my daughter Jill, in paradise.

Now more than ever, my favorite Bible verse:
"Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift." - 2 Corinthians 9:15
That gift? Jesus! I want each of you to know Him-really know Him-too.

Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids is assisting the family.

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