Kaitlyn Savannah Burgess

It is with immense sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, Kaitlyn Savannah Burgess, who left us on July 9, 2025, at the age of 27. Kaitlyn was a deeply-feeling, intelligent, generous human being, who prided herself in being unique. She was a truly kindhearted soul who brought joy and laughter to her friends and family. Kaitlyn was accepting of everyone for who they are, and in return, she sought acceptance from others.

Born on May 13, 1998, in Murrieta, California, Kaitlyn was the beloved daughter of Kiersten and Kevin Burgess, and best sister ever to Kylie Burgess. She graduated from Stillwater Area High School in 2016, from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a degree in Elementary Education, and went on to earn a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Capella University. After teaching for four years starting at the height of the pandemic, Kaitlyn decided to find another path to help others. While finishing her last year of teaching, she began working part-time for Auction Harmony, a company that provides technology and professional event services to help nonprofits run fundraising events. Upon completion of the school year, she committed to working full time at Auction Harmony as an event manager. Kaitlyn loved every minute of her time there, and adored her coworkers, who felt like family.

Kaitlyn had an incredible passion for adventure and travel, and was always seeking fun new experiences to enjoy with friends and family. She was involved in a wide variety of activities such as pickleball, a cornhole league, paddleboarding, book club, going for walks, talking with her sister, working out with her dad at F45, cooking with her mom, playing board and card games with her family (and winning more than her share of the time), and spending time with her very dear friends. Among her many talents, Kaitlyn was excellent with managing and investing her money, and was always willing and exceptionally capable of helping her “elders” with technology issues. But most of all, she provided a nonjudgmental listening ear for those around her, and poured endless love and support into those relationships. Her autism gave her the capacity to care for others with a depth and quiet thoughtfulness unimaginable to most people.

Our precious Kaitlyn was loved more deeply than our words can express. She is survived by her adoring parents, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

We will celebrate and honor Kaitlyn’s life on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 1:00-4:00 pm, at Rustic Roots Winery in Scandia, Minnesota. The family will speak around 2:30 pm, and they welcome others to share their stories and memories of Kaitlyn, too.

Mental health is a battle often fought in silence. It is important to remember the challenges she faced, even as we celebrate the wonderful memories that she gave us.

In Kaitlyn’s words:

“I am the way I am. I don’t need to be less. I don’t need to be more. I will just be the amazing me.”

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to GLSEN’s Rainbow Library.

GLSEN's Rainbow Library