Kim R. Riley, 65, passed away on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, due to complications of multiple sclerosis. She fought a long and valiant battle against this scourge.
She was born on April 8, 1958, to Theodore “Ted” and Joan (Markin) Riley. She grew up on the family farm near Mount Zion, Wis. She attended grade school in Mount Zion and middle and high school in Boscobel, Wis. She graduated from Boscobel High School in 1976. Her youth was spent working and playing on the family farm. In her adulthood, Kim worked in grocery store management at various stores in Wisconsin, Tennessee, and Arkansas. The last 20 years of her life were spent living in the Elroy and Kendall areas of Wisconsin. Here, she met her special friend of 17 years, Don Schmidt.
Kim was a hard worker, which was readily acknowledged by those around her. More importantly, she was a kind and gentle soul who would help anyone. She loved animals, especially her dogs, and could spend countless hours watching them, along with nature. She also had a green thumb when it came to her flowers and lawn, spending hours tending to them.
Kim is survived by her longtime partner, Don Schmidt of Kendall; her sisters, Kerry Riley (Larry Downing) of Boscobel and Karla (Don) Scott of Muscoda; her brothers, Patrick (Dana) of Wauseon, Ohio, Todd (Barbara) of Boscobel, Jody (Paulette) of Mount Zion and Corbin (Kelly) of rural Boscobel; and seven nephews and five nieces. She also is survived by Don’s children, Jerod (Heather) of Marshfield, Rebecca (Chad) Blank of Holmen, Chad (Amanda) of Wonewoc, and Clinton (Sara) of Hillsboro.
She was preceded in death by her parents (Ted and Joan) and a brother, Robert (Robbie). Kim also was preceded in death by her grandparents, Lee and Lola (Hillhouse) Markin and Roger and Carol (Dowling) Riley.
According to her wishes, a private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Please direct memorials to your local animal shelter to care for those animals in need. The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home in Kendall is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
