With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Kathleen Anne Roenigk of Tempe, AZ.
Below, the family shares some of what made her life meaningful.
Kathleen held deeply to the Lutheran faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
What Kathleen believed shaped how she loved.
Kathleen Anne (Franck) Roenigk, 79, of Tempe, AZ, passed away peacefully in her home on April 24, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born March 9, 1947, in Columbus, Ohio, the daughter of Robert Edward Franck and Mary Kathrine (McKenna) Franck, who preceded her in death, as did her brother, Joseph Franck, and her beloved dogs Shannon, Bernie, Frida, and Fidel.
She married Dr. Henry Herman Roenigk Jr. in 1973 in Cleveland, Ohio, and spent 50 years as his faithful and loving wife before his death in 2023.
She is survived by her stepchildren Randall (Julie), Ronald (Sheila-partner), Scott, and Larry (Sheri); grandchildren Ross, Katie, Lindsay, Ryan, Grace, and Griffin; great-grandchild, Leigh; sisters-in-law Julie Ann Franck and Barbara Roenigk; brother-in-law Dave Roenigk; numerous nieces and nephews; and dog Lola, her faithful companion to the end.
Kathie was educated as a nurse at St. Luke's School of Nursing and Kent State. She worked at the Cleveland Clinic and Northwestern University Hospital as a Nurse Practitioner before there was a designation. After she married Henry, she balanced her professional career with her new roles - as a spouse and stepmom to four boys. She also worked alongside Henry and Howard and Seisel Maibach to develop the Skin Disease Education Foundation.
Kathie enjoyed socializing, traveling, tennis, boating, golf, shopping, hiking, reading, mahjong, bling, and generally being fabulous. She made many professional and social friends over the years and as a volunteer for her church and the Women's Athletic Club in Chicago. She will be missed by her family and many dear friends.
A memorial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Living Water Lutheran Church, 9201 E Happy Valley Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.
