Kimberley Legler

Kimberley (Kim) Susan (Utter) Legler passed away on April 25, 2024 at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, IA after battling a short illness.

Kim was welcomed into this world in Elmhurst, Illinois, on March 30, 1952 by her late parents, Oscar and Marjorie Utter.

To us, she was simply Mom, but wore so very many hats throughout her 72 years. She met Dad, Steve Legler, nearly fifty years ago at the University of Kansas, on his twentieth birthday. They were married at Danforth Chapel on campus on May 23, 1975 and together, they raised four children, cared for their expansive gardens, collected antiques, and cherished their time with their seven grandchildren. Mom found joy in books from a young age, was a talented cook and baker, looked forward to her yearly Tridelta pledge class reunions, and was always most at home surrounded by her plants and in the company of dad.

If asked of her greatest accomplishments, she'd begin with her children and grandchildren, her various roles with the Theta Omega chapter of Delta Delta Delta, and her love for her best friend – Dad. She shared with us stories of the sporting goods store her parents owned in Downtown Lawrence when she was a child, Paging at the State Capitol for Former Kansas Governor Docking, and of her travels working with USA Swimming.

Mom had a profound passion and respect for the natural world. Her sprawling yard was a testament to this love, bursting with hydrangeas, peonies, tulips, fruit trees, heirloom vegetables, and an impressive variety of native plants. Remembered for her often-loquacious stories in the family chat, and her signature heart, sunflower, granny emoji sign off – her absence leaves a profound void in the fabric of our family.

Kim is lovingly remembered by her Husband, Steve Legler; Sons, Dr. Benjamin (Julie), Jonathan (Vanessa), and Ian; Daughter, Caroline Potochnik (Tim); Grandchildren, Elena Potochnik, Camille Potochnik, Henry Legler, Audrey Legler, Gemma Potochnik, Bailey Legler, and Adeline Legler; Sister, Halle Utter; Brother, Cyrus Gardner; Mother-in-Law, Phyllis Legler; Sister-in-Law, Nieces and Nephews.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, and her Father-in-Law, Warren Legler.