Kayla J. Koranda

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Saturday, March 4, 1995
Date of Death:
Monday, January 6, 2014
Age:
18 years old

Visitation

Date: Friday January 10, 2014
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: Holy Spirit Catholic Church [ view map ]

Second Visitation

Date: Saturday January 11, 2014
Time: 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Location: Holy Spirit Catholic Church [ view map ]

Funeral Service

Date: Saturday January 11, 2014
Time: 10:30 am

Location: Holy Spirit Catholic Church [ view map ]

Burial

Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Saturday, March 4, 1995
Date of Death:
Monday, January 6, 2014
Age:
18 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Saturday, March 4, 1995
Date of Death:
Monday, January 6, 2014
Age:
18 years old

Kayla J. Koranda

The funeral Mass for Kayla Jill Koranda will be on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 10:30AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Rochester with Rev. Thomas Loomis officiating.  Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00PM on Friday, January 10, 2014 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church and for one hour prior to the mass on Saturday at the church.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Kayla, 18, of Rochester, died on January 6, 2014.  She was born on March 4, 1995 in Rochester to Mike and Jackie Koranda.  She attended Holy Spirit Catholic Grade School and graduated from Lourdes High School in 2013.  Kayla was very active at Lourdes High School in music and theater including: marching band, pep band, concert band, jazz band, and winter drumline. She was also active in drama club, plays and musicals, art club, and the “Eagle” newspaper. She was a member of National Honor Society.

Kayla had a love for all animals, but especially horses.  She started riding at the age of 10 and earned many awards in horse shows.  She also trained and showed llamas as a member of 4H.

Kayla was attending the U of MN, Twin Cities, enrolled in the Honors Nursing Program.  She loved children and wanted to be a Neonatal nurse.  She loved college and was truly blossoming.  She was a member of the U of MN pep band and Minnesota Brass Drumline.  She also played intramural volleyball.

In addition to her parents, survivors include her brother Kevin, 26, of Minneapolis, MN and sister Kelsey, 24, of Milwaukee, WI.  She is also survived by, grandparents Jim (papa) and Joan Bregel of Windom, MN and Ella Mae Koranda of Oak Park, IL. Aunts and uncles include: Jeanne and (Mike) McCarthy of Jackson, MN, Jill and (Richard) Hanson of Shawnee, KS, Michael Bregel of Windom, MN, Matthew and (Michelle) Bregel of Desoto, KS, Mary Lou and (George) Schvach of Cicero, IL, Ken and (Joyce) Koranda of Oak Park, IL, Carol Koranda of Oak Park, IL, Donna and (Kurt) Ballak of Channahon, IL, and Steve and (Holly) Koranda of Montgomery, IL. Kayla was preceded in death by her grandfather, Jerry James Koranda and an aunt, Pamela Koranda.

Kayla was a compassionate, intelligent, selfless person whose light will shine on.

Memorials are preferred to Holy Spirit Catholic Church and the Lourdes Music and Performing Arts Department.  Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

Condolences

The family of Kayla J. Koranda has received the following condolences.

Dear Mike & Jackie,

Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family's.

 

Tim & Stephanie Torkelson

My deepest sympathies on the loss of Kayla. You continue to be in my thoughts.

It was fairly recently my path first crossed Mike's at work. For me, he has provided a steady voice of reason, and I quickly came to know him as genuine, friendly, candid, relatable. These traits are not anomalies and do not occur by chance; they are a reflection of a loving environment. It is no surprise that Kayla flourished in such surroundings, and it is my sincerest hope that her loved ones find some comfort in each other during this unimaginable time.

I have been in contact with Lourdes High School and am making a contribution in her honor to their music program.

Jeff Leake

Dear Mike, Jackie, Kevin,  and Kelsey; 

It is with my deepest sympathies that I write.  Kayla was a bright and shining star from the time she entered this world. Her smile, warmth, and generosity touched so many people during her short visit on this earth. It is most difficult now. In the midst of this tragedy,  take comfort knowing that she is an angel in heaven. Her shine is forever glowing over you. Stay encouraged. You shall see her again. 

Mike and family, please accept our deepest sympathy in this difficult time.  Your family is in our prayers.

Dave & Kristin Engebretsen

Jackie and Mike - It's been a very long time since I've seen you two.  My heart just aches for you.  No one should have to lose a child, and in such a tragic way.  I am truly sorry for your loss.

I think all of St. Francis Xavier shares your pain, and know that your family is in our prayers.

Sincerely,

Andrea

I am so very sorry to hear of this tragedy.  My deepest sympathy to the Bregel and Koranda families.  I pray you find God's peace.  (classmate of Jill and Richard's).

Jackie and Mike

 

We read your daughters obituary and she was an amazing young lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time. May peace be with you and your family.

 

Dan and Deb Carpenter

 

I do not know you  but  wish to express my sympathy to your family at your loss.  I am  Mary's  Scott's grandmother.  I will keep your family in my prayers.  You have a your own special angel in heaven.  May God hold you in the palm of his hands through this most difficult time. 

Dear Koranda Family,

We were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Kayla. Her obituary was beautiful - it sounds like she was a very special, talented, compassionate person.  It is clear that she will be greatly missed. 

Today we made a donation to Camp Companion Pet Adoption in Kayla's honor and memory. Her love for animals was so wonderful to see.  May you all find peace and comfort in her memory.

Sincerely and Prayerfully,
Bob & Becky Dick

There are no words......only tears!  Our deep and sincere sympathy to all of Kayla's family and loved ones.

Our family is deeply saddened by the death of your beautiful daughter.  Our daughter is a resident at Middlebrook Hall, 9th floor as well.  We do not understand why bad things happen to good people.  I hope you find comfort in Matthew 5:5.  ("Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth"). She was gentle, humble and obedient to her catholic faith, which are all gifts from the Holy Spirit.  Her inner strenghth and Christian character that comes from God, was clearly recognized in her last actions here on earth. 

Peace and the Grace of God be with you and your family during this time of saddness.

The Kost Family

Sioux Falls, SD

Dear Koranda's

Why do things like this happen!!!???  We are in great shock and disbelief by all this and cannot imagine the pain you all are going through....Our hearts go out to you all and cannot stop thinking of your entire family.

Words cannot express how sorry we are.

 Kayla was such a beautiful girl inside and out.  We miss you all and can remember all the times Kayla would just come up to the house when we lived on Duvall with you all and visit with us and play with our girls. She was so easy going and always smiling.  

Lots of prayers to you all and many hugs your way...

Love

Chris & Steph Gartner & girls 

Mike,

It broke my heart to hear these sad tidings. From her picture, Kayle was a beautiful young woman and from the stories about her that beauty was much more than skin deep. There is no way to know the extent of the loss you are feeling but my prayers go out to you and your family. Try to dwell in the beauty of her life and find solace and joy in your memories. Take care of yourself and each other and know there are many praying for you all.

Sandy Tucker

Our family's prayers to you…Shawn Sperry, my son, was quite fond of Kayla.  Can't understand what you are going through, but pray for God's grace and the love of family and friends to comfort you.

Dear Jackie, Mike and family,

 

We are just heart-broken to hear about Kayla.  She was a great friend and wonderful person to the girls when they were in elementary school with her.  Treasure the memories.  She will definitely be missed.    Our prayers and thoughts are with you. 

Cassandra was going to try to make the service but flies to Minneapolis on Saturday.  She goes to St. Ben's for college.  You now have an angel in heaven.

 

Hugs, Deb, Steve, Sara and Cassandra Miedema

Mike and Jackie and family, Please accept our deepest sympathy. This is the hardest  to deal with. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. God be with you. Love Bob and Patty and family

Kayla was a faithful storyteller in my childcare home.  I always knew if Kayla was on the schedule the children could count on her being here to read to them. She had their undivided attention with her smile and her gentle way.

     I know your hearts are heavy with her absence. None of us can know what has been taken from you.  Please know that all of you are in my prayers.

            Kathy Carroll

Jackie, Mike, Kevin and Kelsey,

When I think of Kayla, it was when she was just the younger sister, going to all her big brothers and sisters activities.   She would entertain herself, or sit with me on the bleachers and tell me stories.  She was always so generous with her hugs and smiles!  Remember when she got to see President Bush, right on stage behind him?  I loved getting to hold her during that!  We are here for you in the time ahead.  

All our love , Kevin and Donna Coughlin 

Hi Mike,

I have never seen you in person other than our work related phone conversations. I heard the sad news from one of our team members. By reading more about your daughter and her interests, I see Kayla as a caring young woman with multiple talents who was helping others until the last minute of her life. Sometimes, it is not clear why the Almighty has such plans for certain people with such great potential. My heartfelt condolences to your family members.

Your colleague,

Senthil Nathan

 

Jackie and Mike ,

You may or may not remember me , but Kayla was in pre-school at Children's Home Society for a time before she entered elementary school .  She was a darling child and a joy to all her met her .  As the Director of the child care facility , I enjoyed many conversations with both of you .  My heart goes out ot you as you grieve your loss .  God Bless her memory and your family as you prepare these last days .  This journey will not be easy , but the Good Lord will keep you in his arms .  My prayers go with you .

Sue Kjome

Our condolences go out to Kayla's family. We are so saddened and shocked by the loss of Kayla. I will always remember her talents in the LHS school plays and the fun at our house at the cast parties. She will be so missed. She was a good friend to Andy and made him feel welcome his first year at LHS. I will never forget her kindness, talent and smile.

Patty Arndt

Jackie...it's been a lot of years since I've seen or talked to you but when I heard the news about your daughter I wanted to send you a hug.  I can't even imagine how you are feeling but will hope better days will be ahead for your family.  Maybe you can reflect back....way back to our high school days and some of the fun crazy things we used to do with Mary Ann Moede, and Kathy Flatgard, my those were the days.  Be strong and if you feel like it look me up when you are in Windom and I can give you a hug in person.  Denise Warner Winters

There are no words......only tears!  Our deep and sincere sympathy to all of Kayla's family and loved ones.

Nobody can possibly understand the width of light that Kayla brought upon all those she touched. She was a blessing to call a friend, and carried with her the laughter and joy that cannot be replicated in a million years. What a beautiful life she lived, and what happy memories she leaves in our hearts. Our thought and prayers go out to all who mourn her death and celebrate her life. 

Mike & Jackie,

 My wife will not be able to make it tomorrow.

 I know this is a hard time for you. Our prayer

are with you and your family.

 

With all my love Francis & Annelise Koranda 

Jackie and family - Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Our deepest sympathies to you all.  We are so sadden by the loss of your daughter and sister.  May God's peace guide you and may all of your wonderful memories with Kayla sustain you. 

The Indrelie's - Rick, Judy, Jace and Allie

 

Dear Mike, Jackie, Kelsey and Kevin,

I have only known Mike for a short time but knowing what a great person he is I can imagine what a wonderful person Kayla must have been.  I can not imagine all that you all are going through now but I would like to send my deepest sympathy to your family.  The world will miss Kayla.

Mike,

I am so very sorry to hear this sad tidings. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Please taking care of yourself during this difficult time. Our hearts and thoughts are with you and your love ones. May the joys and loving memories of Kayla accompany you for the years to come!

The Chang Family

Dear Mike, Jackie, Kelsey and Kevin,

Please know that our hearts are breaking for all of you as you deal with the loss of your precious daughter and sister.  Of course, we remember Kayla as Kelsey's sweet, adorable little sister who was always happy and good natured and so easy to have around which is a reflection of all of you.  Kayla had developed into such a lovely young woman and will be truly missed.

We are keeping you in our hearts and prayers.

Love,

The Rossman Family

Phil, Kathy, Sarah and Dan

Please accept our very deepest sympathy at the tragic loss of your wonderful daughter, Kayla. Like many others, we sincerely wish there were something we could do to ease your grief. If there is anything we can do for you in the coming months, please do not hesitate to ask.  

 

I cannot find the words to express how truly sorry we are for your tragic loss. Heaven has gained a truly amazing angel. I hope knowing that and that she will always be with you eases some of your hurt. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time and always.

Natasha Howard and family

Mike, Jackie, Kevin & Kelsey - 

Please accept our most deepest sympathies on the loss of Kayla. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you during this difficult time.

Martha (Koranda) Schreiner

on behalf of Richard & Edith Koranda and family

We'll always remember the fun the girls had together, how Kayla was open to playing her part no matter how big or small, and her special sense of friendship and positive energy that made her friends in every group. Faith reminds us we will all be together again, and we pray for grace for your family, and for all of the teachers and classmates and friends so sad to say goodbye for now.

Dear Koranda Family,

Having only known Kayla for the last five months, I still learned much about her and grew to love her. She was such an innocent person. I cannot begin to imagine what you all must be feeling, but know that she has touched my life, if only for a short time. I am sorry I could not make the funeral. I am praying for you all. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Deepest condolences,

Daniel Pollmann

DEAREST JACKIE, MIKE AND FAMILY,

WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS HOW DEEPLY  SORRY WE ARE FOR YOU AT THE LOSS OF YOUR BEAUTIFUL...INSIDE AND OUT...DAUGHTER, KAYLA.  I REMEMBER HER SHINING LITTLE FACE WHEN SHE WAS IN OUR BROWNIE TROOP AT H.S. AND TEACHING HER CLASS THE VIRTUES  COURSE FOR THREE YEARS.I FOUND HER TO BE SENSITIVE, COMPASSIONATE AND TRULY CARING .    MARYALYCE ALWAYS ENJOYED AND THOUGHT ALOT OF KAYLA.  SHE WAS SUCH AN ACCOMPLISHED YOUNG WOMAN AND BROUGHT JOY TO SO MANY PEOPLE IN HER SHORT LIFE. MAY GOD COMFORT YOU AT THIS TERRIBLY DIFFICULT TIME AS ONLY HE CAN.  KAYLA'S SPIRIT WILL CONTINUE TO LIVE ON IN THE LIVES OF ALL WHO WERE TOUCHED BY HER. BE ASSURED OF OUR CONTINUED THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS....GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU CLOSE.  LOVE, THE RUSH FAMILY 

We cannot begin to comprehend your pain and loss. We only hope your faith and love will see you through this. Please know that our thoughts are with you and you family.

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.  There is no greater loss than that of a child.  May God hold you in his loving arms and give you comfort .  Cherish all of your memories.

Jackie, Mike and Family,

We can only imagine the pain you all are experiencing during this time of this tragic loss of your precious daughter and sister. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We hope you find some peace with all the heartfilled support from family and friends as you share all the special memories of Kayla.   Our Deepest Sympathy.

Joel and Shari Messmer

Prayers of strength to you and your family, Losing a child is so heartbreaking..The journey is long, hang on to

those precious memories..  Hugs to you and your family..  (classmate of Jill)

 

Dear Jackie, Mike , Kelsey and Kevin,

Our words are not adequate to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. Kayla was an inspiration to everyone around her. We were so blessed and lucky to have known her beauty, and we will keep her spirit alive with the many sacred memories we hold close to our heart. We feel as though we were the blessed ones to have been graced by Kayla's big heart and her inviting personality.It is truly the mark of wonderful parents.Every bit of our heart goes out to you during this most difficult time.



Dear Koranda family,

I cannot imagine the pain and loss you must be feeling. Kayla was an amazing young woman and friend. I am extremely grateful for time I got to spend with her in theater and music programs throughout middle and high school. Kayla was so kind, energetic and compassionate. She always had a smile for me and was willing to help anybody in need. I read a quote somewhere recently that says, "she loved life and it loved her right back," and I think that encompasses Kayla. She will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her - she touched so many lives. I still have a note she wrote to me a couple years ago, and I will keep it, along with her memory, forever in my heart.

My family's thoughts and prayers are with yours during this difficult time.

Catherine (Cat) Cojocaru

To the Koranda family,

I was one of Kayla's classmates in her Freshmen Seminar.  From the short amount of time I got to know and spend with your daughter, I befriended a person who was kind, sincere, smart, funny, and genuine.  I found many similarities with her and enjoyed her company during many of the shows we saw.  Kayla most certainly had a bright light that shown and brought happiness to many peoples' lives.  I was lucky to have met her and find a friendship with her.  Kayla's wonderful presence and personality will be missed greatly, and I pray for your recovery and mending of your broken hearts. Thank you.

Shannon P. Balstad

To the Koranda/Bregel Family: May peace be with you all during this difficult time. 

 

Sarah Loun

Bonner Springs, KS.

 

 

Jackie and family,

  Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. The loss of a child is one of, if not the worst pain a parent can go through. Remember all the precious memories you've shared with Kayla and keep them close in your heart. Your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.

 

Tim & Rita Hacker

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Koranda,

I am Lindsay Kallman's granmother and Debbie's mom. I can't begin to tell you how much my heart grieves for youKayla sounded like such an outstanding young woman with a great future ahead  of her, but, tragically, her life was cut short. As the mother of 4 children, I can only begin to imagine the shock, grief and ksadness of losing Kayla. She was truly an angel and even in the end, her final deed was to help  a friend in distress. Surely, this angel will have a special place  reserved for her in Heaven.

 

Please accept our deepest condolenses for the tragic loss of your beloved Kayla.She made a deep impact on Lindsay's life and will never be forgotten. May her memories be a source of comfort for you.

Love, Helen and Jim Stkinson

On behalf of the Reading Buccaneers Drum and Bugle Corps, we extend our deepest sympathy to Kayla's family. As a father of two, I can't imagine what you must be going through and can only offer you my deepest condolences. As you are surrounded by friends and family during this truly sad time, please know that the Buccaneer family will have you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Bill Snook

Dear Jackie and Mike,

Though we have never met, Victoria has shared with us her fondness for your family. I can see through Kelsey's sharing of family photos, that Kayla was so much like her sister--a wonderful daughter, a great friend to so many, and a blessing to her family.  Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We will continue to remember your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Rod & Joyce Helt

 

So sorry for your loss. We will keep you and your entire family in our thoughts and prayers.

Mike, Jackie and family,

We are very sorry to hear of your tragic loss.  Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.

 

John & Betty Koranda

Marshfield, WI

The LHS community was blessed to have Kayla in their presence. She exhibited so much joy and enthusiasm when with her friends, participating in plays, and playing in the band. We are thankful that our sons experienced her bright spirit.

Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. May God's hands give you peace.

The nicest place to be is in someone's thoughts.

The safest place to be is in someone's prayers.

The BEST place to be is in God's hands.

The Walther family – Lisa, Alan, Matthew, Andrew, Peter

Although no words can help ease the pain of the loss of your daughter, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.  We're praying that the light of God's face shines on you in the darkness of your grief.

Dear Jackie, Mike , Kelsey and Kevin,

I don't now if you remember us but we are Lisa's parents.... and to say there just aren't the right words to offer you at a time like this is an understatement.... our hearts are broken for you and we cannot even attempt to know what you are going through.  We, as parents, do know though, how much we love our children, and how things like this just are not supposed to happen.

We hope that in the upcoming days and months, you will find some comfort in happy memories of Kayla, and in knowing what a wonderful daughter you raised.... Lisa and Justin just could not say enough about her....  I am sorry that we didn't get to know her more!

We will be keeping you and your family in our hearts and prayers...

Sincerely, Carl and Pam Santucci

I was so saddened to hear about the loss of your beautiful daughter. From our conversations, I know she was truly a blessing to you, your family and all those she touched. She was a giving spirit until the end. May you find some comfort in that knowledge. She will always be there in spirit with you and your family. My prayers are with you.

Kayla was an immense blessing to Nicholas in LHS Marching Band and Drumline. She welcomed him as an 8th grader and took him under her wing. As a parent, I was so thankful for the way she included him in the group and befriended him.

Kayla had beautiful sparkle and spirit. She shared so willingly and lovingly with others. What a beautiful gift to have known her, even if it was briefly.

You and your family members are in our prayers at this heartbreaking time. May the God of love hold you close in the days ahead.

 

Peace,

Shelly, Gene, Nicholas and Will Plutowski

 

 

Jackie, Mike and Family,

Our most sincere and heartfelt condolences.  Our entire family is heartbroken for you and we send prayers and thoughts of you all during this most difficult time. 

My deepest sympathy to all of the family for the loss of your beautiful daughter. I will be praying for you at this time and the days and weeks to come.

Our family will be praying for all of you during this time of sorrow. Kayla was a beautiful girl in every way. She will be missed.

Jackie and family - My thoughts and prayers go out to you.  Heaven has gained a beutiful angel!

Mike, Jackie, Kevin and Kelsey,

We're so incredibly sorry for your loss.  We love you all and will keep you and Kayla in our thoughts.

~ The Evans'

Dear Jackie and Family,

You have my deepest condolences and please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. 

Dear Jackie, Mike, Kevin and Kelsie

Words can not express the overwhelming sympathy I feel for you all.  I know I can't ease your pain, but if there is anything I can do to help, I'm here.  Our prayers are with you, God Bless.

Dear Jackie and family,

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. God's peace and grace to you.

Jackie and Mike,

My very sincere condolences to you both.  I heard about Kayla on the news up here and was hopeful that there was another Koranda in PI.  All I can think of to do to help you is to acknowledge that you are both in my thoughts and prayers and that you find strength in each other to carry you through all this.  I am so very sorry for your loss....

Paul Isensee

 

Dear Jackie, Mike and Family,

Please accept our deepest sympathies.  Kayla's life was just beginning, made possible by such a supportive family.  May you all find comfort and peace in the days ahead.  Kayla will be an angel on your shoulders, helping to lighten your burdens.

My sincere sympathies to you and your family.  As one of Kayla's English teachers at Lourdes, I thought the world of her.  Please know that I am praying for you all, today and always.

 

Jackie and Mike,

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad and painful time. It is heartbreaking that such a tragic thing has happened to her and to your family, she was such a kind, compassionate girl. She will truly be missed by many. God be with you.

Mike and Jackie,

I am so sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your beautiful daughter Kayla. It's clear from photos of her that she was a bright and shining light in this world. I remember the day she was born -- Kayla and I share our birthday. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family in these coming months.