Katie Barsheff

Catherine "Katie" Marie Barsheff, 19, of Traverse City, gained her angel wings at University of Michigan Mott's Children's Hospital on Oct. 29, 2021 and went to be with her Lord and Savior. Katie was surrounded by her loving family. She was greeted, with open arms, in heaven by her grandmother, Virgina Bramer; her uncle, Tim Bramer Jr., who passed the most recent; and many other loving family members who have passed before her.

She was born April 29, 2002 at Devos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Kyle and Elizabeth (Bramer) Barsheff.

Katie was born with a congenital heart defect and had her first open heart surgery at two weeks old but that didn't stop her from enjoying life to the fullest. She endured many surgeries at both Devos Children's Hospital and University of Michigan throughout her lifetime. Katie was always known for her contagious smile and very positive attitude.
She loved helping her dad with projects and running errands, especially when she got a treat!

Katie enjoyed spending her summer days at her family cottage on Lake Ann, along with her many cousins which she loved. She loved making slime, playing Uno and various board games and was an avid collector of phone cases and accessories. You could always find Katie spending her hard-earned money at the dollar store and Five Below.
Katie attended Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools from kindergarten until seventh grade and Traverse City Area Public Schools from eighth to twelfth grade. She graduated with the class of 2021. This fall Katie attended the life skills center where she instantly made friends with the staff and classmates. Throughout all of Katie's schooling she had many caring teachers, faculty and friends. This increased her love for school tremendously.

Katie's catholic faith was a predominant aspect of her life. During her years at GTACS, Katie's faith was nurtured and grew tremendously. She attended Mass at St. Patrick's Catholic Church and Christ the King Catholic Church, where she made her first communion.
Katie is survived by her parents, Kyle and Elizabeth; her four siblings, Madeline (fiancé, Nick Kosobucki), Jacob, Hannah and Andrew; grandparents, Tim Bramer and Kyle and Kathryn Barsheff; and countless extended family including aunts, uncles and loving cousins.

Words cannot express our gratitude to all the medical staff that truly cared for Katie like she was their own throughout the 19 years of her life. From the surgeons, nurses and everyone in between, you all truly made a great impact on our family and specifically our lives with Katie.

"Katie Marie our hearts are broken and life without you will never be the same. You taught us so much about life, a true reflection of living life to the fullest and touching so many lives. We will miss you so very much, and you will always be in our hearts. Until we see you again, WE LOVE YOU!"

The Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Katie's life will be held Friday, Nov. 12, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church in Williamsburg with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow the service, for all to attend, at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

A private rosary will take place on Thursday in Katie's honor.

Please kindly share your stories, memories, photos and messages with Katie and her family at reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Katie and her family are being cared for by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.