Kimberly Bylund

Kimberly Ann Bylund was a spunky, independent, beautiful, social young woman. Even though she was born with Cystic Fibrosis, she was determined to live a normal life without self-pity or pity from others. She was an outstanding student, cheerleader, and restaurant hostess. She was an exceptional daughter, sister and granddaughter who was an incredible bright light to those who loved her. Born on January 16, 1989 in Muskegon, Michigan to Rudy and Denise (Cross) Bylund, Kim was the younger child of two. Rudy and Denise worked hard to raise Kim and her older brother, Joshua. Denise worked for American Coil and Spring while Rudy owned and ran shoe stores in the Muskegon area. While Denise was enjoying her role of motherhood, taking care of Kim and Joshua, she did notice something was amiss concerning Kim. Two and a half years and several doctors later, a diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis was finally declared. The family took it all in stride, going about their usual business, but with the additional regime of physical therapy, treatments and medication. Kimberly was a happy, bubbly little girl who loved to run around unencumbered by clothing! While Kim was happy by nature, there was a stubborn side to her personality that later was revealed to be an asset. At the age of four, a feeding tube had to be inserted to ensure the daily nutrition that Kim required. Kim made a deal with the doctor that if she could learn to eat enough, then she could say good-bye to the tube forever. It took ten years, but through sheer determination, Kim did get rid of that tube. During her elementary years, Kim attended Lincoln Park Elementary School where she excelled academically and socially. She was also a cheerleader for Pee Wee football. While attending junior high, she played softball on the Leagues in Roosevelt Park and continued with cheerleading. She tried the violin for a while, but later found the flute more to her liking. When Kim began attending Mona Shores High School she continued to be a cheerleader, but only for a year. She quit when it became too difficult for her to breathe. At this time she also had to give up the flute as well. Kim became involved in Student Senate, something she enjoyed very much. She also continued to be a social butterfly, not only attracting friends, but many boyfriends as well! Through all the health struggles, Kim was a trooper. She didnt want pity. She wanted to lead a normal life. She still had to continue treatments and physical therapy with the help of her parents, but the family let Kim lead the way in how she wanted to lead her life. When they could, the family took trips to the Florida Keys and Disneyworld. There were also stays at summer cottages on the lake where the family enjoyed the time together and built a lifetime of treasured memories. As Kim got older, there were also trips to Colorado where Kim could ski. Her wish more than anything was to be free of her physical struggles and when she was racing down the slopes on her skis, she found the freedom that she longed for. Kims love for her family included her Grandma Audrey, with whom she shared a special relationship. During spring break, Kim would visit her Grandma in Panama City, Florida. Grandma Audrey would arrange sleepovers for Kim and her girlfriends, filled with movies, ice cream and of course pillow fights! In 11th grade, Kims health began to decline. She started to struggle to keep up in her classes. Several of Kims teachers rallied to help, enabling her to graduate on time with her class of 2007. After graduating from high school, Kim enrolled in Muskegon Community College, still trying to figure out what she wanted to be when she grew up! She also took some time to travel, visiting friends in Idaho, California, and New York. For the last year of her life, Kim started working at the Texas Roadhouse Restaurant. After trying to work as a waitress and being unable to handle the physical aspect of the job, her boss made her hostess rather than lose such a good employee. Kim made many friends among her co-workers. In the last six months, Kim became especially close to her brother, Josh. Even though Josh had been her protector at school when she was little, they could still put up a good fight at home! Putting aside childhood rivalries, they were able to bond in a special way that only a brother and sister can. In the last week, Kim entered the hospital for what the family thought was just a regular quarterly tune up. While she was there, things took a turn for the worst. The doctors did everything they could. In the end Kimberly was surrounded by those who loved her the most; her family. Kimberly Ann Bylund was an exceptional person. She was determined, exuberant, loving; someone who made friends easily. She was an example to all, living her life without limitations, without pity, living life on her own terms. Kim was a loving sister, granddaughter, and daughter, who loved her family dearly. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her in the short time she was given. Kimberly A. Bylund died Monday, September 1, 2008. Surviving are: Parents, Rudy & Denise Bylund; brother, Josh; grandmother, Audrey (Bylund) Weikert , all of Muskegon; aunts & uncles, Jamie Cross of Muskegon, Nanette (Mike) Nowak of PA, Jennifer (Dan) Davis of Whitehall, Jim (Nancy) Cross of WA, Randy (Sharon) Bylund of Muskegon; many loving cousins & wonderful friends. Service: Saturday, September 6, 2008, 11:00 AM at Clock Chapel with Rev. Phillip Nordstrand officiating. Visitation: Friday, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial: Hunt For The Cure or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book. Clock Life Story- Muskegon