Katie Ozinga-Wilkerson Obituary (1986 - 2025)

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Katie Lynn Ozinga-Wilkerson, aged 39, who passed into God’s kingdom on December 20, 2025, surrounded by family at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. Katie’s family is intending to have a celebration of her life on what would have been her 40th birthday, on January 21st, 2026. Details on this event will be posted at a later date. Katie was born on January 21, 1986, God’s gift to Dale and Marilou (Vande Kieft) Ozinga. She spent her early years being raised on a farm near Peoria, Iowa. She attended Peoria Christian grade school through 8th grade; she then transferred to Pella Community High School, where she was a member of the 2004 graduating class. While in high school, Katie was a member of the cheer squad; she was also a member of the color guard for the Marching Dutch. During her senior year at Pella Community, Katie was voted into the Tulip Time Royal Court for Pella’s Tulip Festival. Her career path led her through roles at Pella Hospital Clinic in Knoxville, Weiler Manufacturing, and ultimately finding her calling at Principal Group. In 2016, Katie found her partner in Maury Wilkerson, and together they turned a house in Des Moines into a true home, filled with love for Maury’s two daughters. Katie was a truly genuine person, known for her kindness, compassion, and uplifting spirit. She reveled in the simple pleasures of life, whether it was kayaking, fishing or cheering on the Steelers with her husband. Katie had a remarkable sense of humor and a sharp, quick wit. She deeply loved each member of her family and was the glue that held everyone together during challenging times. The bonds that were formed with her could never be broken, and her absence will be profoundly felt. Katie leaves behind a loving legacy that includes her husband, Maury, her stepchildren Hailey and Carly Wilkerson; her mother, Marilou (Bruce) Schiebout; her siblings, April (Kyle) Vander Molen and Michael (Stephanie) Ozinga, and her nieces and nephews: Brennan, Emmett, Adelaide, Jaelynn, and Breckynn. She is also survived by her in-laws Frank and Suzie Whitehead and an extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. Katie was preceded in death by her father, Dale; her grandparents, Arnold and Ruth Ozinga and Marion and JoAnn Vande Kieft, and her father-in-law, Maury Wilkerson Sr. Each shaped her world with love and wisdom. As we remember Katie Lynn Ozinga-Wilkerson, let us carry forward her legacy of love, laughter, and fierce devotion to family. Although Katie’s earthly life ended at a young age, every minute spent with her was a gift from God. She will forever remain in our hearts.