"Kaitlynn, Even though many years have passed, I have never forgotten the great memories we shared. You had such a big impact early on in my life and I could never thank you enough for that. You were the first person to show me what a true friend was. I always kept the small letters we exchanged at one of your birthday parties and I still read it time to time when I think about you. You?ll always be a part of me and remain my best friend for life. I will miss you so much. To Tara, Brian, and family, I am so sorry for your loss and am thinking of you during this time. I hope and pray you find peace and comfort in the time ahead. Meredith Maxwell"
In loving memory of
Kaitlynn H. Gaddis
November 8, 1999 - September 6, 2018
Kaitlynn Hope Gaddis, 18 of Dover, passed away surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with brain cancer. She was born on November 8, 1999 to Brian and Tara (Siebenaler) Gaddis. Kaitlynn was baptized at St. Casimir in Winona, confirmed at St. Rose of Lima in Lewiston and was currently a member of Holy Redeemer in Eyota. In the spring, she graduated from Dover-Eyota High School with honors. She loved spending time with friends, reading, movies, and her collection of stuffed animals, particularly her bear named 'Teddy'. One of her favorite things to do was visit zoos with her family. She had a spunky and sassy personality and giant heart that always put others first. She will be greatly missed by her parents, Brian and Tara; brother, Ethan; grandparents, Robert Siebenaler and Phil and Valencia Gaddis; aunts and uncles, Tina Donnelly, Heather (Matt) Peterson, Elden DaSilva, and Chad Wangen; and her cousins. Kaitlynn is preceded in death by her grandmother, Jean Siebenaler. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Eyota with Rev. Tim Biren officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 11 at Hoff Funeral Home in St. Charles and one hour prior to mass on Wednesday. Private family burial will be in St. Rose of Lima Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials can be directed towards the Make-A-Wish-Foundation or Give Kids The World. Please leave a memory of Kaitlynn and view her video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tributes
"So sorry to hear about Kaitlynn. Thought of her many times over the years since she had been in my Daycare. Praying for peace and comfort for all. Lori"
"Kaitlynn was an amazing, brave, and courageous friend. Through her battle and journey she continued to shine on all of and gave this life all that there is to give. Finding peace and comfort in knowing she is now living a life in Eternity and is no longer bound by the pains this life sometimes has to offer. Heaven has definitely gained a pretty amazing Angel. Tara, Brian, and Ethan, praying you find peace and comfort in the days ahead. -Sammy"
"I'm sorry for your loss. She is a beautiful angel. Thinking of your family during this difficult time. Alicia Elsing"
"I was incredibly sadden to hear of this news this afternoon. I will always remember your wonderful smile, infectious giggle, and of course "Teddy"! I am praying for peace for your Mom (Tara), Dad and your little brother Ethan. God Bless~ Michele"
"Kaitlynn, your smile and your giggle were a true inspiration, and will ALWAYS be remembered. Love Always, Chad "
"Tara, Brian and family - was so sadden to see this. Thinking of you all during this time. She will be missed by all but will be your special angel watching over all of you. Take care!"
"Kaitlynn.... so many memories, where to begin. I met you in 6th grade and had no idea the impact you would have on my life. Thank you for reminding me how precious life is, how to stop and enjoy the small things (donuts from St. Charles- gummies- popcorn- and how can I forget our Chinese food runs!). You brought joy everyday to my job and I still am waiting to hear your feet come around the corner asking me "Got any gummies?" Well Kaitlynn I just bought a box just for you- Smiles from Walmart, a favorite of ours. I watched you fight a battle few adults could handle, you never whined, cried or complained! Instead we figured out ways to get things done and have fun doing them. I am SO proud of you in so many ways and seeing you walk the stage at graduation without a cane was the best sight! You filled the gym with your glow and beaming smile.It was a perfect day of celebrating the Class of 2018. Now we can't forget the times Emily and I had a tough conversation with you, but then we would have a good laugh and move on. We all needed support, you gave it to us and we gave it to you. I feel we had so many chats that you know exactly how I feel writing this- by the way, you just gave me homework- Dang girl :) Also- I thank you for the goodbye Wed night when your graduation thank card to me fell of the refrigerator about 10 pm...it had been there since the day I got it in June but that night, that moment, you made it fall to say goodbye. Dang you- getting in the last work once again. So I read a few lines and lost it... back on the frig it went, where it will stay forever. Thank you for the very cool poetry cards- so many of us at DEHS have them and still treasure them. Thanks for always saying thank you-are you kidding me it was our pleasure to "hang out" with you everyday for 6.5 years. Those days were never work- but our pleasure! Kaitlynn, thank you and I miss you and want you to know how you impacted so many lives- such a lady- sassy, witty and sweet, the way to liked ya! By the way I see cat stuff everywhere, I think they call my name as I walk by and that will never change. Every cat card on the shelf wants to jump in my cart. That is a fun way to remember- our crazy cat lady! I rambled on ,but that was how some of our conversations went, why would this be any different. Tara- you and the family raised a precious child! She impacted so many in her short journey - but she left her mark! Thanks for sharing her with me. "
"Phil, Val, family & friends of Kaitlynn, I am so sorry for your loss. Hoping your memories will comfort you as you continue to hold Kaitlynn close to your heart until you meet again. "
"Tara and family. I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Tracey Broadbent"
"What a beautiful girl and now a precious angel. My sympathy to all the family. May God comfort you."
"Dear Brian, Tara and Ethan, my heart is breaking for you as you go through the grieving process. Kaitlin was such a beautiful girl, and so very sweet and kind. My favorite memory of her is when the daycare would go for walks, she always wanted to hold hands with me, but I especially loved her warm hugs. May God be with you as you mourn this very precious young lady. Love and healing hugs, Ellen Wangen"
"Tara and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Heaven in a bit richer today with Kaitlynn being there Terry Siebenaler"
"Kaitlynn, you gave us many lessons in life, we thank you always for that. We will miss you. Uncle Bernie"
"Kaitlynn we will miss you so much. You made the world a better place. Now you are making heaven a better place. Until we meet again. I love you so much. Uncle Elden. Tara and Brian you are in my prayers. May god guide you through this difficult time. Love Elden "
"Kaitlynn we will miss you so much. You made the world a better place. Now you are making heaven a better place. Until we meet again. I love you so much. Uncle Elden. Tara and Brian you are in my prayers. May god guide you through this difficult time. Love Elden "
"My dearest Kaitlynn, I will cherish the hand made cards, love that you shared, and will forever remember your beautiful smile and soul. Wise beyond your years, you made us all marvel during your courageous battle. Your light will shine on in those who love you. Rest In Peace sweet girl. I?ll keep an eye on Aunt Tina. XO So very sorry for your loss Tara, Brian, Bob and Tina. - Candace Howell "
"I am sorry for your loss, Phil and Val. A grandchild is so precious!"
"You and Teddy win baby, take care of Mema. I love you 50 billion times. Your best friend in the world Papa PS Keep a candle lit."
"I was blessed to get to teach Kaitlynn in freshman English at Dover-Eyota. She was a gifted writer and brought insight to discussion. She found so many ways to bring joy to those around her. I especially remember her kind notes. My heart goes out to all of Kaitlynn?s family and friends during this time of grief. "
"I am so sorry for your loss, Gaddis family. I remember Kaitlynn as a beautiful, lively child that was full of so much love and life. Although we haven't seen Kaitlynn since elementary school, she has always been in our minds and in our prayers. Fly high Kaitlynn and rest peacefully. Tara & Julia Fravel"
"I am so sorry for your loss I got to know her when she would come down and visit with her Grandpa Bob before she got L I could hear them out in the backyard just talkin way so sad thoughts and prayers are with you at this time"
"Kaitlynn was a ray of sunshine to all who knew her from the day she was born. She lived every minute of her life with courage and grace; and even when faced with the battle of a lifetime, she showed more strength, patience and understanding than I would have believed possible. She taught me more in her short life than anyone I've ever known. My heart and sympathy and love go out to her family, as well as my thanks for letting me be a part of her life - my life is so much richer for having known her. "
"I?m so sorry for your lose!! Loved seeing her smiling face in church!! Sending prayers to all of you. "
"We miss you already, sweet Kaitlynn!! Her smile would brighten the room, always offering kindness and laughter to those around her. Sending our thoughts and prayers to your family.? "
"I will miss you my creative stamping friend. My deepest sympathies to your family. "
"Tara, Brian & Ethan, Bob and Tina, we are thinking of all of you and sending hugs. Kaitlynn was such a sweet young lady."
"We are so sorry to hear about Kaitlynn's passing. We want to offer our condolences to all her family and friends. May the present sadness soon be outweighed by the many happy times shared with Kaitlynn. Pax to you. Love, The Uthkes"
"My beautiful niece, who is my best girl, is finally at peace. I love you Kaitlynn and thank you for teaching me how to be the best version of myself through your love, kindness, gentle nature, and strength. Because of you I am a large part of who I am today. Thank you and I love you forever! ~Auntie Tina"
"Our hearts are breaking for all of you, and especially to Grandpa Bob who is our connection to your family after just losing Jeanne. We pray God's comfort and peace to all of the family. Earl and Fran Bockenhauer"
"This girl taught me so so much in her years here at DEHS, her faith, her spirit, her sassy/funny nature, her love for life knowing "her story" would be coming to an end. My heart breaks for all her family that will miss her here on earth until they unite again in Heaven........where we KNOW she is giving God a run for his money right now! LOL! Till we meet again, Kaitlynn.......you will always have a piece of my heart! "
"Sorry to hear about your loss. Your are in our thoughts and prayers."
"So very sorry for your loss, our deepest sympathy to you all."
"Another beautiful child taken. God has some beautiful angels. Michele Speltz "