Kathleen Marie Dunkus

Kathleen Marie Dunkus (Kettler), age 48, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, April
22, 2023, at Mercy Hospital St. Louis. Born on September 21, 1974, Kat will be remembered for
her love of her family, pride for her Oglala Lakota heritage, and the laughter she brought to
those around her.

Kathleen was the beloved daughter of the late Paul Kettler and Phyllis (Blackbird) Michaelree.
She was the cherished sister of Michael Martinez, Darrell Martinez, Cheryl Kettler, Stephanie
Gutierrez, the late Mary (Kettler) Taylor, the late Thomas Kettler, Tara Michaelree, and Jerry
Stanley. Known as "Aunt Kat" to many, she was an adored aunt to Rachael Benns, Samuel
Taylor, Rose Taylor, Cole Taylor, Nick Kettler, David Kettler, Sebastian Martinez, Ashley
Strohmeyer, Thomas Newport III, Molly Newport, and Thomas Kettler.

Kat’s love for life was encapsulated by her many interests and passions. She was known for
enjoying a wide range of music, from opera to hip-hop, which she was always listening to. There
was never a day where Kat didn’t have her nails beautifully done or had plans to get them done
soon. A skilled photographer, Kat had a unique talent for capturing life's fleeting moments,
transforming them into timeless keepsakes. In these ways, Kat was known for creating
memories filled with laughter and joy.

Kat grew up in St. Louis and surrounding region. She graduated from Missouri College in 2009
with a degree in Human Resource Management and she proudly worked as a Pharmacy
Technician. Her compassionate nature and love for her veteran father led her to focus her attention on supporting veterans and the elderly. Her aspiration was to work more closely with
these communities, embodying a life of caring and advocacy.

Kat will be deeply missed by all her nieces and nephews. She cherished every moment spent
she had with them. She will be remembered as the fun aunt who filled their lives with love and
laughter, creating countless happy memories during sleepovers and swimming parties.

The family held a memorial service in honor of Kathleen on May 18, 2023, at Timothy Lutheran
Evangelical Church. The family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Kathleen's
honor to one of the several organizations listed below. These causes held a special place in
Kathleen's heart and your support would be a fitting tribute to her memory.

National Alliance on Mental Illness ( https://donate.nami.org/fundraiser/4706258?is_new=true ),
Oglala Sioux Tribe ( https://oglalalakotanation.net/donate/ )
Any veteran charity of your choice

Kat was a woman of strength, light, and boundless love. She will be immeasurably missed by all
who knew her, yet her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all the
lives she touched. As we bid her farewell, we also celebrate a life shared with love, laughter,
compassion, and a devotion to helping others.

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