Kathryn Meinzinger

Kathryn Meinzinger, age 22, of Gulfport, MS passed away peacefully while surrounded by her loving family on March 6, 2017, after a strong and courageous battle with cancer.
Kathryn was a 2013 graduate from St. Patrick High School in Biloxi, MS where she was an honor student and member of numerous academic, athletic, community, and charitable organizations. During her junior year, she was selected as the State of Mississippi's student representative to serve as Senator Thad Cochran's Senate Page in Washington, D.C. where she spent six months working directly on the U.S. Senate floor and excelling in completing her junior year academic requirements at the prestigious School for U.S. Senate Pages.
Kathryn began her college career at Mississippi College in Clinton, MS where she was awarded an academic scholarship. While at M.C., Kathryn studied Sports Medicine and was a member of the Nenamoosha Sorority, several academic & intermural clubs and served as student athletic trainer for several of their teams and programs.
After transferring to Baylor University in Waco, Texas, Kathryn pursued her degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Athletic Training. She again became involved in many organizations & clubs and through her true love of animals; she discovered a new passion of volunteering through the Texas Cattledog Rescue Association. Although a volunteer, the TCRA quickly realized Kathryn's unique leadership skills and passion for this cause, and asked her to assume leadership roles within their organization. Kathryn always said "actions speak louder than words" and to this she demonstrated her love for rescued dogs by personally fostering over 30 Australian Cattledogs through her year and a half in Waco. One of her foster's, Sarah, became her soulmate which she adopted, trained and certified as a recognized Service Dog.
Kathryn lived so much life in her short 22 years and was forever looking for her next adventure. There wasn't a rollercoaster, rock wall, or zip line she would shy away from. She loved to travel on church mission trips, family vacations, and especially impromptu road trips with her close circle of dear, dear friends. Although a petite young girl, with a loving and outgoing personality, Kathryn was pound for pound one of the strongest and toughest people anyone could ever meet. She again demonstrated this by being one of only two girls to play in the then Mississippi Gulf Coast Hockey League. Her love for hockey continued throughout her life and with an Athletic Training Degree, her life long career goal was to be head trainer for the National Hockey League's Pittsburgh Penguins.
Kathryn was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Gulfport, MS and her favorite bible verse was Colossians 3:23 " Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not human masters". She enjoyed working with the church's youth and participating on mission trips throughout the U.S. and South America. She was proud to be a Christian woman and truly enjoyed sharing her faith and ministering to others. Kathryn fought the good fight, she finished the race, and she kept her faith. She was a spiritual warrior and inspired so many people through how she fought. Kathryn found her strength through Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". If she was here today, she'd look you in the eye and tell you that you can too.
Kathryn was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Charles H. Berry, and her paternal grandparents, Edward and Anne Meinzinger. She is survived by her beloved parents, Rodger and Pam Meinzinger, brothers Andrew (Nikki) and Alex, maternal grandmother Sarah Berry, aunts and uncles Rick & Ramona Berry, Jim & Kathy McCool, and Ed & Barbara Meinzinger. She was also so loved by many cousins, nieces, and nephews who supported her boldly during her battle. Last but certainly not least, Kathryn was so loved by her loyal service dog Sarah who was continually by her side.
Our family wishes to express great appreciation to Kathryn's cherished and devoted caregivers including her cousin, Dr. Olivia Hightower; Dr. Derek Ware; Hospice nurse Abby Higgins (love you Boo 1); the dear nurses and staff of the 4th floor Oncology section of Memorial Hospital;, staff and friends at FBC-Gulfport, Ms. Janice Powell. Our special heartfelt appreciation goes out to her dearest life time and college friends Kelsey Lynch, Anna Pearl Decker, Taylor Thompson, Macy Nobles, and Alexis Crocker, who never ceased their travel from far distances to make personal visits, write, call, and steadfastly pray & support Kathryn. We also thank the hundreds of extended family & friends that loved, prayed, and encouraged Kathryn and our family during her journey.
A service celebrating Kathryn's life will be held on Sunday, March 12th at 3:00pm at First Baptist Church Gulfport located at 12190 HWY 605. Visitation for family and friends will begin at 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, Kathryn and her family ask that contributions be made in her memory to the Prayer Garden Fund at First Baptist Church Gulfport.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport is serving the family and memories may be shared at www.riemannfamily.com