Kimberly Kalli

Kimberly Ruth Kalli, PhD, 55, died of uterine cancer on January 8th at the Mayo Clinic Hospital-Methodist Campus. Kim was born on August 4th, 1962 in Cloquet, Minnesota to Karl Robert and Elaine Carol (Aho) Kalli. She receive her bachelors degree in biology in 1984 from Ripon College in Wisconsin and her PhD in immunology in 1993 from The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD. She completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in 1997. She then joined the Mayo Women's Cancer Program and was an associate professor of oncology. She was instrumental in the gynecologic oncology research program at Mayo Clinic for 25 years. She was an award-winning scholar, reviewing research grants for the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense and manuscripts for multiple scientific journals. One of her colleagues stated, "It was Kim's activities - always quiet and behind the scenes - that made our research possible." Kim was a ferocious reader of all kinds of literature. She loved the NY Times Crossword Puzzle. In addition to her career, Kim was totally devoted to her family and friends, her animal companions, and her hobby farm. Kim will be remembered as a faithful companion, a trusted friend, and a consummate professional. Kim is survived by her loving life partner, Sharon Johnson, two brothers, Kevin, Dover, MN and Keith (Linda), Wright, MN, her Aunt Edie (Brian) Houck, Virginia Beach, VA., uncle Marv (Yvonne) Aho Forest Lake, MN., niece, Kiana, her beloved dogs, Chloe, Gabby and the seven other rescues, and many dear friends and colleagues. She is predeceased by her parents, grandparents, and brother, Kris. A special thanks to Drs. Amanika Kumar and Dre Wahner-Hendrickson and the amazing Mayo Clinic nursing staff who helped to ease her suffering. A private service is being planned for a later date. Memorials are directed to the Mayo Women's Cancer Program - Ovarian Cancer Research. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester MN 55901 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com