Where Food, Drinks & Stories Are Shared
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Kim Mansfield

December 13, 1963 - May 12, 2022
Kalamazoo, MI

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Life Story Service

Saturday, May 21, 2022
4:00 PM EDT
Live Stream
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900

A reception will follow in the Life Story Center where food, drinks, and stories can be shared.

Guests are encouraged to wear Michigan State University attire or colors in honor of Kim.

Masks are also encouraged.

Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes
901 Portage St
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269) 343-3663
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Taylor's Florist and Gifts
215 E. Michigan Ave.
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-6256
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Adventurous and outgoing, Kim Mansfield lived her life to the fullest. She cared deeply about people and often put others’ needs before her own. Selfless as well as generous with her time and resources, she was known to be there for anyone in their time of need. A wonderful mother, sister, and friend to many, she will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by those she leaves behind.

The 1960s were characterized by great social changes. Many Americans believed they were standing at the dawn of a golden age. At the beginning of this promising decade in our nation’s history, folk music was evolving thanks to young artists like Bob Dylan and The Beach Boys, and The Beatles were growing in popularity. In 1963, Kim was welcomed home by her loving parents, Edward and Arlene (Naughton) Geiger on December 13th in Chicago, Illinois.

Growing up in the late sixties, Kim lived a typical childhood of the times. She and her sisters played outdoors well into the evening hours. Mostly they enjoyed playing Kick the Can with other neighborhood friends on Lake Lucerne. She and her sisters were close and affectionately known as the Geiger Girls. A natural athlete, she enjoyed participating in many youth sports, especially swimming and softball. Studious and ambitious, Kim always enjoyed attending school and learning. She was also into reading novels that were considered advanced for her age. After graduating with the Class of 1982 from West Bloomfield High School she set her sights on Michigan State University. Kim knew from an early age that she wanted to be a teacher and pursued her bachelor’s degree in Education. A proud Spartan, she remained a steadfast and loyal fan throughout her life, cheering on her favorite MSU teams! She was even known to make a friendly bet here and there, but with due consideration for if she lost, she had to wear the rival teams colors.

Although her marriage to Rob Mansfield ended, the two of them worked together and shared a mutual feeling surrounding their support of raising their two children. As a mother, Kim loved her kids immensely and shared many special memories with them. They grew up going to the beach together each summer in South Haven. After a long day of swimming and sunbathing, Kim would often drive back to catch a sunset. She never grew tired of them and listening to the waves and seagulls brought her sense of peace and serenity. Supportive and nurturing, she attended her kids’ many activities and special events. Her cheers could be heard above the crowd at local swim meets softball games, as well as graduations. She never turned down an opportunity to see them in action or encourage them in their many endeavors. Her children knew that her love was infinite and unconditional and leaned on her for advice and wisdom over the years. Kim taught them to value others and modeled being accepting and welcoming of everyone with her genuine kindness. She also taught them to be prepared for anything. Frugal as she was, Kim always had a treasure trove of items in her “well-loved” van. Everything from sunscreen, to snacks, and water to juice boxes. She was prepared for whatever the day brought her.

Kim’s career as an elementary teacher led her to form countless relationships, both professionally and with her students. A strong advocate for kids, she valued her students the same as she valued her own children. Many former students have shared the positive impact Kim had on their lives and how they always felt encouraged and supported by her during their growing years. A fierce advocate of public education, she was proud to work for Kalamazoo Public Schools. Most recently, Kim taught at King Westwood Elementary, where she was known to go above and beyond the expectations of a classroom teacher. If she wasn’t attending one of her own kids’ events, she was driving to watch one of her students perform on stage, play their chosen sport, or graduate. It was not uncommon for her to spend many long hours on her weekends preparing and planning. During the global pandemic, she even visited students at their homes and brought them goodies. Her students knew she cared and also believed she would be there for them. Well-liked by her colleagues, they trusted her opinion and appreciated her input on a wide variety of topics. When it came to crisis or tough decisions, she was often the voice of reason in the room and her even keel demeanor was an asset to her fellow educators. Committed to all kids, Kim always had the interest and the future of her students at heart.

Kim found happiness especially while staying active. When her sister, Tracy, died in 2020, Kim completed over 1200 miles in a walk-a-thon in honor of her sister. She found great solace in nature and particularly enjoyed outdoor adventures like hiking, whitewater rafting, zip-lining, and kayaking. An avid skier, she was a regular at Timber Ridge where many other skiers knew her by name. Each summer season, she loved to pick blueberries; entire bushels of them. Immersing herself in nature was her connection to spirituality. She believed in a higher power, but desired something outside of organized religion. Any amount of time she was outdoors, she was truly content. Kim loved to read and favored stories that connected to real-life such as historical fiction or biographies. Fond of live performances, she looked forward to attend countless plays and musicals. Her favorite being Wicked. An animal lover, Kim owned many cats and dogs over the years. She loved to spoil them and always talked to them in her special animal voice; perhaps to bring them comfort, but also because it was simply fun to do! Known for her charming smile and delightful personality, Kim leaves behind a rich legacy of giving freely to others. Gone too soon, may all those who knew and loved her be comforted by her warm and special memories whenever they are gathered.

Kimberley Mansfield, age 58, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, died on May 12, 2022. Kim was preceded in death by her sister, Tracy Geiger; and her mother; Arlene Geiger. Surviving are her children: Mitchell Mansfield and Annemarie Mansfield; her father, Edward (Ruth) Geiger; sister: Kelly Geiger; niece, Katie (Ryan) Kozar; cousin, Jeffery Ott; former husband, Robert Mansfield; mother-in-law: June Woods; sister-in-law, Jane (Dan) Squires; and countless friends, colleagues, and students she considered as close as family. Cremation has taken place. Please join us at a Life Story Service at 4 PM Saturday, May 21, 2022, at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 269-375-2900. A reception will follow in the Life Story Center where food, drinks, and stories will be shared. Guests are encouraged to wear Michigan State University attire or colors in honor of Kim. Masks are also encouraged. Visit Kim’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes in honor of the many hours Kim spent there volunteering.

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