In loving memory of

KAITLYN ROSE BURLAGE
June 20, 1993 - September 10, 2013

Kaitlyn Katie Rose Burlage, age 20, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 6:15 pm Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at her home.Born on June 20, 1993, in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of James D. and Renee L. (Eichler) Burlage.

She attended Columbia City High School graduating with the Class of 2012 and attended IPFW University, Fort Wayne.She was a member of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church and was a volunteer at Erins House, Fort Wayne. Katie enjoyed reading, cooking, listening to music, all water sports and being at the lake.She loved her German Shepherd dog, Zoe. Everyone loved the sound of her laughter.

Survivors include her parents, James D. and Renee L.; 2 brothers, Nicholas M. and Christian J. Burlage both of Columbia City; maternal grandfather, Kenneth Eichler, Clear Lake; 12 aunts and uncles and numerous cousins. She is preceded in death by 3 grandparents, Arthur and Mary Burlage and Gloria Eichler.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2013 from 2 to 6 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City with a Vigil starting at 5:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday, September 16, 2013 at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 315 South Line St, Columbia City with Father Gary Sigler officiating. Burial will follow at Adams Cemetery. Memorials can be made in Kaitlyns memory to Erins House for Grieving Children or Parkview Home Health Care and Hospice.

Tributes

close friend<3 wrote on Sep 20, 2013:

"Burlage family, Katie was a smart, all rounded caring girl. I have a lot of memories of her and I. She was so kind and very loving. She was there for anyone who needed help or even just a friend. She will be missed by many and my thoughts and prayers go out to not only the Burlage family but also all her friends and people who knew her. Rest in peace. Forever in our hearts"

Rachel Hedstrom wrote on Sep 18, 2013:

"Burlage family, I regret to say that I did not know Kaitlyn very long or well. We just met this semester in our Psych research class at IPFW. We worked together and shared many laughs and talks with each other. For the period of time I did know her, it was well worth it. She was an amazing person who was full of life. I regret to say that I will not be able to see or laugh with her again."

Paul Golliff wrote on Sep 16, 2013:

"Renee and Jim, I don't know what to say. I am so sorry. God has made a mistake."

The Compassionate Friends wrote on Sep 16, 2013:

"We, The Compassionate Friends, want you to know that you are not alone in your grief and loneliness. As parents who have also lost a child we understand your pain. The loss of a child is like no other loss. We are here to support and walk this journey with you. The Compassionate Friends, Columbia City, IN Chapter "

Melanie Bechtold wrote on Sep 16, 2013:

"Dear Burlage Family, I knew Katie from English courses at CCHS, as well as sharing a St. Paul's connection. I will always remember her beautiful smile and kindness. My family sends our deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers. "

Dawn Wilkinson wrote on Sep 15, 2013:

"PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was sent by David, Dawn, Trevor, Alec and Emilie Wilkinson.You are in our thoughts and prayers, David, Dawn, Trevor, Alec and Emilie Wilkinson"

Betty Bell wrote on Sep 15, 2013:

"Renee, My heart aches for you, Jim and the boys, please know you are in my prayers.I remember Katie as a little girl at Sue's, so cute and sweet.God's peace be with you now and always. Betty Bell"

Bryton Feist wrote on Sep 15, 2013:

"Kaitlyn was a beautiful person and gone way too soon. She will be greatly missed by many and it pains me to know how many people are out there that never got a chance to know her."

Logan Richter wrote on Sep 15, 2013:

"I am so sorry for your loss. Katie was an amazing person and will truly be missed by many people. I pray that your family can find peace that she is in a better place. Ihope that you can see light in this time of darkness, as you and your family come together. Prayers are being lifted for all of you."

Sally Bork wrote on Sep 15, 2013:

"Renee - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, Sally Bork"

Fr. Daniel Whelan wrote on Sep 15, 2013:

"I am so sorry to learn of the death of Katie.I know this is a very difficult time for the family.Please know of my prayers for the family and for Katie.Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord. Fr. Daniel Whelan Chaplain Newman Catholic Fellowship IPFW"

Mark and Christina (Weigold) Schilling wrote on Sep 14, 2013:

"We are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter and sister.Our thoughts and prayers are with you."

Patty and Kim Meek wrote on Sep 14, 2013:

"In this time of great sorrow for a wonderful life lost, our thoughts, prayers and support go out to Renee, Jim ,Nick and Christian. Katie will be missed but never, never forgotten. We will pray for peace of mind, I know Katie will watch over us and send us love."

Lane and Pam Miller wrote on Sep 14, 2013:

"Jim and Renee You are in our thoughts and prayers. We can't imagine the pain you must feel. Our deepest Sympathy."

Jeff, Lori, Gavin, Zac and Kelli Thiele wrote on Sep 14, 2013:

"We were so sorry to hear of your loss. You all have been in our thoughts and prayers. May God wrap his loving arms around all of you at this difficult time. "

Missy wrote on Sep 14, 2013:

"Renee and family, May God give you strength, patience, and understanding as you go through this very trying time in your lives.We know not the reason behind this tragedy, but my God is an awesome God, and he will surely help you through this. Love and prayers,the Millers-Tod, Missy, Carla, and Wesley."

Kelli wrote on Sep 13, 2013:

"Well where to start. Katie was always so nice to EVERYONE, wanted to help people as much as she could. she was just an all around great girl. Its sad she had to go so young. I'm sorry for your loss. I couldnt even imagine. Katie, youll make an amazing angel. R.I.P. you will be missed."

Karla Barger wrote on Sep 13, 2013:

"STRUCTURED DESIGNIN RED AND WHITE was sent by Elliot Barger."

Luetta Burlage wrote on Sep 13, 2013:

"SENTIMENTAL THOUGHTS was sent by Richard Burlage.Very sorry, thinking of your family. Cousin, Richard Burlage and Family"

Erin's House for Grieving Children wrote on Sep 13, 2013:

"Katie's Erin's House family is grieving with you today...she will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family."

Tammy Horne wrote on Sep 13, 2013:

"James, Renee, Nicholas, and Christian, May God bring you peace during this most difficult time.My heart aches for all of you.Kaitlyn was such a wonderful young lady.She will be dearly missed by myself and everyone who knew her. Tammy Horne"

Dawn 'Shelly' Scheuman wrote on Sep 13, 2013:

"Jim, Renee, Nick and Christian, Katie had such a beautiful spirit about her. I cannot recall a time seeing her at a family function when she wasn't smiling and polite and always a joy to talk to. I send my deepest condolences and I will carry Katie and all of youin my heart and in my prayers."

Sharon Lock wrote on Sep 13, 2013:

"We are so sorry for your loss.Katie was a joy to have in CCD.She was always so kind.Our prayers are with you. Sharon, Mike and Michaela Lock"

Sherryl Kaminski wrote on Sep 13, 2013:

"Renee and family, I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your daughter.I pray that God hold you all very close during this time.Psalms 23. Sheryl Kaminski "

Jeannie Keith,& Taylor Boutall wrote on Sep 13, 2013:

"We are so sorry for your loss.Kaitlyn was a wonderful girl.We are grieving with you."

Eddie Beagles wrote on Sep 13, 2013:

"I am so sorry for your loss.Katie was such a joy to have in confirmation class, I know you will be missed by so many.Your family and the youth of St. Paul of the Cross are in my prayers."

CCHS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION wrote on Sep 13, 2013:

"May God give you strength in this time of grief and fond memories of Kaitlyn Rose Burlage, CCHS Alumni class of 2012. The Alumni of CCHS extends sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to Kaitlyn's family."

Dola Gleeson wrote on Sep 13, 2013:

"I am so sorry for you loss of your beautiful precious daughter Katie.Know that I will be holding you and your family so close to my heart and I will lift Katie and all of you up in prayer daily. Such an unbearable pain for you to bare my friend...thinking of you and wishing God's peace for you and your family."

Jennifer Zartman Romano wrote on Sep 13, 2013:

"Renee & Family: My heartfelt sympathy to you at this hour of great sadness and pain. Please know you are being prayed for and thought of frequently, and may the good memories be of comfort to you. In our thoughts, The Romano Family"

Brett Gerber wrote on Sep 12, 2013:

"May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will walk beside you in your journey of grief. Brett Gerber and the Staff of DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home "

Becky Beery wrote on Sep 12, 2013:

"Fellow members of St. Paul of the Cross, My heart aches for you all. My son was 22 years, 10 months and 5 days old when he passed away. No parent should ever have to bury their child. Each one of us is unique and no death or loved one is the same. We all handle loss differently therefore I do not know all the heartaches that you will have. Remember all the good times and keep her close to your heart. She will always be with you in your heart. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all"

Tracey Peterson wrote on Sep 12, 2013:

"Jim, Renee, Nick and Christian, We are so sorry for your loss.We want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.May God grant you peace in this time of great sorrow. We will always remember Kaitlyn for the beautiful sweet girls that she is. Dwane, Tracey, Libby, David, Laura & Sarah Peterson"

Renea Counterman wrote on Sep 12, 2013:

"Renee and family, You have my deepest heartfelt sympathy. You are all in my thoughts and prayers! Renee we are sending you hugs! If there is anything at all that we can do for you please don't hesitate to ask! Sincerely, Renea Counterman"

Mauna Cowan wrote on Sep 12, 2013:

"I pray that God will bless your family with His peace that does pass our understanding during this time of great loss."

Mary Ann Schaefer wrote on Sep 12, 2013:

"Jim, Renee, Nick and Christian, Words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss, for all of our loss.Please know that your church family and your circle of friends are praying for you and asking the Lord to ease your suffering. You will be in my thoughts as I will be out of town during the viewing and mass.Please know I am with you in spirit. (Mary Ann) God bless you,Mark, Mary Ann, Hannah, Holden and Mariah Schaefer"

Ryan and Jenee Nix wrote on Sep 12, 2013:

"Jim, Renee, Nick and Christian We are so sorry for your loss.I can't imagine the pain you are going through right now.Try to think of all the good times.You are in our thoughts and prayers.If there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to ask. Ryan, Jenee, Maycee and Malarie Nix"

STEVE AND CONNIE BURLAGE wrote on Sep 12, 2013:

"Jim, Renee, Nick and Christian, Our hearts go out to you all. you are in our prayers ! STEVE and CONNIE BURLAGE "