Kaitlyn Julia Zolper, age 24 lost her battle with melanoma cancer on Sunday, December 30, 2012. She left this world surrounded by her loving family. Kaitlyn fought this battle with dignity and courage and was an inspiration to all of those she met. She was born in Kenosha on October 29, 1988, the daughter of Karen (Tim) Wendling and Michael (Debbie) Zolper. Kaitlyn graduated from Tremper High School in 2007 and UW Whitewater in 2011. Her passion in life was to work with young children and she did that in her early jobs as a camp counselor and preschool teacher. She graduated from college with a teaching degree and went on to teach elementary school children in Madison, WI, where she lived with her fiancé, Travis Ruhland. Kaitlyn had a great passion for life. She loved spending time with family and friends. She especially loved to shop and was happily planning out all the details of her wedding. Left to carry on without her is her loving family, Mother Karen Wendling (Tim), Father Michael Zolper (Debbie), sister Jennifer Zolper, brothers Ryan Zolper and Matthew Wendling, grandparents Phyllis and Don Zolper, Liz and Harv Weiss, Veronica Kundit, June Parkison, aunts and uncles Ken and Laura Rasch, Dave Rasch, Mike Rasch, John and Kim Rasch, Tim Zolper, Julie Zolper, MaryDona and Dom Fabiano, Gary and Donna Wendling, Tom and Vikki Wendling, Phil Wendling and cousins Megan, Lauren, Kevin, Steven, Sara, Alison, Kayla, Erin and Andrew Rasch, Sara, Samantha, and Dominic Fabiano. Kaitlyn also leaves behind her fiancé Travis, who can only be described as the love of her life. Though Kaitlyn and Travis did not get to fulfill their desire to be married, their love and commitment to one another was ever strong and will transcend time and continue even in her death. Kaitlyn’s time on this earth was cut short, but we know she will be one of God’s favorite angels and we will meet her again in heaven. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Beatrice and John Rasch. The family would like to thank all of her doctors, nurses, family and friends who have supported her these past years in this battle, especially Dr. Mark Albertini and his nurse Anne, Dr. Steven Howard, Heartland Hospice and family friend Shelley Flasch. Kaitlyn was a bright light in this world and filled everyone around her with joy and happiness. “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” --Elisabeth Kübler-Ross While we all grieve the loss of such a wonderful soul, we are comforted in the fact that Kaitlyn is finally at peace. Rest assured Kaitlyn, we will meet you again. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 4th, at Proko Funeral home from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 5th, from the Proko Funeral Home at 9:00 a.m. Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made payable to the UW Foundation-Kaitlyn Julia Zolper Memorial Fund and mailed to UW Foundation, US Bank Lockbox 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278. The Fund will support melanoma research at the UW Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center in Madison, Wisconsin.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Kaitlyn’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com