Katie Kloess was a LCMS commissioned minister, middle school Teacher, and Coach at Zion Lutheran School. She is remembered for having an infectious smile, deeply caring about her students, and her dedication to her faith. ^[8]

Katie comes from a family who is heavily involved with the church, with her mother and sisters teaching at several different Lutheran schools. Kloess went on to attend Concordia University Chicago and graduated in 2013, earning her bachelor's degree in elementary education - history and middle school, and a master's degree in human services/exercise science. ^[3]

Kloess was heavily involved in the school's activities.

Along with teaching language arts, she served as head coach of varsity girls basketball, and both varsity boy's and girl's volleyball. In addition, she was an assistant coach for track, and was the High School's Youth Group Volunteer Co-Leader. She resides in Marengo, Illinois. ^[4]

Katie's favorite Bible verse was *we also rejoice in our own sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope.

Romans 5:3-4 [10]*

On December 15th at 3:10 pm, Kloess was on her way to coach a basketball game in Crystal Lake, IL when she became involved in a multi-vehicle accident that occurred at Millstream Road and Illinois Highway 176. One vehicle went through a stop sign at Millstream which crashed into vehicle driving on Highway 176, then a semi-auto truck traveling west on 176 collided into both cars. Both Kloess and the other car driver, Matthew Lange, did not survive. The semi-truck driver did not have any injuries. Police are still investigating the incident. ^[3]