Community raises funds for Algonquin woman found in Fox River as she is laid to rest
ALGONQUIN — On Dec. 5, residents were disheartened to learn that 52-year-old Algonquin resident Kimberly Koerner, who was reported missing on Dec. 4, was found deceased in the Fox River in nearby Carpentersville.
Her body was taken by the Kane County Coroner’s Office, where they performed an autopsy on Dec. 7. It was determined that the preliminary cause of death was drowning, however, toxicology results are still pending.
As news about Koerner’s death spread, her cousin, Brian Fata, worked to set up a GoFundMe to assist her family with any expenses they may face moving forward.
“I am trying to raise money for my cousin Kim’s family, her daughter, Nicole, and her son, Danny. Many people have seen the story on the news out of Algonquin, and we have many questions,” wrote Fata on the GoFundMe page. “Unfortunately, I don’t think I will ever find out the answers. Kim and I were a year apart and spent many fun times at Shafer Lake back in the day. Her smile and good heart bring many memories. Anyone that knows her is confused and can’t understand it.”
According to Fata, a memorial visitation for Koerner was held on Dec. 11 at the Willow Funeral Home & Cremation Care located at 1415 W Algonquin Road.
Koerner’s friends and family were invited to gather on Dec. 12 at the St. Mary Catholic Church located at 111 S Hubbard Street in Algonquin, for a funeral mass.
Koerner’s obituary states that she worked as a consumer educator for a company called Ideal Consumer Events, where she “truly loved her job and all the ‘regulars’ she would see.”
Those closest to Koerner described her as a dedicated mother and wife who enjoyed reading to her daughter when she was younger and working on jigsaw puzzles and word games with her son.
“She would attend every sporting event and drive whomever whenever. She was involved at her kids’ schools growing up, and even when her daughter became a teacher, she made herself known there too. She cherished her moments with her crazy friends, and never missed a chance to laugh and enjoy a glass of red wine.”
Fata added that he was heartbroken to learn of Koerner’s passing, but is appreciative of all the support he and his family received in trying to find Koerner, as well as the current support the family is receiving as they navigate this loss.
Koerner will be laid to rest at the St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery in Palatine.
Individuals may still donate to Koerner’s GoFundMe, which as of Dec. 12, has managed to raise over $5,000 of its initial goal of $10,000.
Those interested in donating funds to Koerner’s family may do so by visiting gofund.me/3429fea4.
