Kim Struble-Underdah

With what would seem to be so many years left in which to create her life’s song, Kim Struble-Underdah was suddenly taken from those she loved. Her absence leaves a gaping hole in the hearts and lives of so many whether her family, her friends, or the young people whose lives she touched through her work. Kim was vibrant and so full of life and love with a quiet strength that upheld her through both the peaks and valleys of her lifelong journey. We will miss Kim for her gentle and sensitive touch, her fun loving and kindred spirit, and her unending love for all those within her reach. Her memory will remain forever in our hearts.

The fifties are remembered as the decade that introduced us to Elvis and television shows like Howdy Doody and The Lone Ranger while the growing momentum of the civil rights movement was forever changing the cultural fabric of our nation. It was amidst this time of great change that a young couple from Kalamazoo, Michigan, was eagerly preparing for the birth of their first baby. It was on June 24,1953, that Kim made her arrival and was welcomed into the arms of her parents, Robert and Joanne (Brown) Struble. Her father worked hard as a police officer in Kalamazoo while her mother was a teacher in Comstock Schools. When she was three years old, Kim was joined in the Struble family by her younger brother, Greg, with whom she was raised in the family home in Kalamazoo. She attended local schools including Kalamazoo Loy Norrix High School.

After graduating from high school in 1971, Kim went on to Western Michigan University. She spent several years in college and some may even argue that she became a professional student as she changed majors more than once in search of finding the perfect career fit.

Love was in the air for Kim when she met the young man with whom she would share the best years of her life. His name was Harry Underdah and although they went to the same high school, they never officially met during their high school years. It was during the summer of 1980 that they were formerly introduced by mutual friends who were dating each other. Harry mustered up enough courage to call and ask Kim for a date on his birthday, August 15th. That date led to more dates over the next few years. Kim and Harry fell deeply in love and were married on June 25, 1983, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. The newlyweds got away for a camping trip in the Upper Peninsula over the following couple of weeks before returning to Kalamazoo to begin their lives together as husband and wife.

Throughout her life Kim chose a career that centered on helping others. She spent several years working for the Kalamazoo Boys and Girls Club, even becoming one of their directors. With a desire to better herself after 17 years in her work, Kim quit her job and went back to school to earn her master’s degree in social work. With her education behind her she went to work as a child therapist in the mental health department for St. Joseph County. Kim fully immersed herself into her work and wholeheartedly cared for the young people she worked with.

Life came full circle for Kim when she gave birth to their precious daughter, Olivia “Livy,” on March 2, 1993. Kim loved being a mom and since she worked nights and Harry worked for himself, they were able to balance their work with spending time with their daughter.

As those who knew Kim can attest, she fully embraced each day that was given to her. She was an animal lover who usually had a dog or cat, and she always wanted a horse. Just last week Kim even spoke of getting a goat of all things! She also loved art from the time she was a young girl, and she enjoyed sketching and drawing her own work. Kim appreciated the outdoors and the splendor of so many things about nature like birds, spending time at her parents’ hunting cabin in Reed City, or just sitting outside in the sun. The peace and tranquility she felt while outside always offset the busyness of her job. Harry used to tease Kim about picking weeds and making tea that was “safe to drink.” She loved flowers, too, and she had the most beautifully landscaped yard that always had something in bloom. Kim loved entertaining at their home that was complete with a pool, and their house was usually the place for Christmas and Thanksgiving gatherings. Through Kim’s own special touches, the holidays were such a special time, too. She loved listening to everything from classical to rock ‘n roll, and she also enjoyed going to plays and to the theater. When commuting to and from work, Kim’s radio was usually tuned to NPR or talk radio of some kind.

Through the years Kim lived an active lifestyle and didn’t let her epilepsy limit her. She skied with Harry even though she didn’t like the cold weather, and together they traveled all over including to Mexico, Disney World, New York, and down South, too. Kim was really getting into golf, and she and Harry golfed all over. They belonged to the Lynx Golf Course in Otsego and enjoyed golf trips up North to Shanty Creek. Kim was so excited that Livy was going to Marquette University and was looking forward to driving her up and settling her in next week. Kim was so proud of her daughter who was bright and vibrant - just like she was.

The list of things we will miss about Kim Struble-Underdah is endless. She was willing to help anything or anyone from a helpless bird to her friends and family members to someone she just met. Kim was someone who could see the positive side of any and every situation - almost to a fault. She was always there for her friends to offer a listening ear, a piece of wise advice, or perhaps just a warm smile. Life will never be the same without Kim here, but all who knew her will be forever grateful for her tender touch.

Kim Struble-Underdah died on August 14, 2011. Kim’s family includes her husband, Harry Underdah; daughter, Olivia “Livy” Underdah; her father, Robert (Rose) Struble; brother, Greg (Linda) Struble and their 3 children: Sarah, Heather and Alyssa; many in-laws and nieces and nephews. Kim was preceded in death by her mom, Joanne Struble. Learn more about Kim, view her Life Story film, and visit with her family and friends on Wednesday from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler; 6080 Stadium Drive, 375-2900 where services will be held Thursday at 2:00 p.m. Please visit Kim’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo or sign her memory book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations may be directed to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kalamazoo.