Kim Barnas

Your purpose is not what you do, your purpose is what happens to people when you do what you do.” Dr Caroline Leaf

The Ward of the Warrior Fairy has transitioned to her just reward.

Kim Barnas’ energy transitioned this earthly confine carrying with it the lessons learned throughout a productive life. She lived life with integrity, wisdom and love. The world is a better place because she cared. The depth of her presence touched many as her roots spread like a mycelial mat under her sphere of influence. Her departure was accompanied by a feeling the North Star has tumbled from the sky.

She remains a cherished mother, wife, sister, friend, mentor, healthcare executive, educator and author.

Kim was born December 18, 1956 in Saranac, Michigan to Donna Kay Taylor-Weirs and Larry Vokoviak. Kim always wondered if the stork dropped her off at the intended location. In truth, fate assigned her a challenge. Her integrity, self motivation and intellectual curiosity drove her success. She lived a consequential life overcoming challenges and struggles that would diminish most.

Early in life Kim recognized service in health care was her passion and she spent her career improving health care delivery. Starting with Family Practice and Women’s Health in Alma, MI assisting her mentor, Jack Stack, MD, she witnessed the numerous challenges facing accessing healthcare. He was her example of humanistic health care. Throughout her career she positioned herself to address these needs with integrity and passion.

As a single mother Kim raised 3 beautiful children, earned a graduated degree, rose through the ranks eventually running the ThedaCare Foundation. These accomplishments would satisfy most but Kim had other ideas. She quickly moved up into other executive roles eventually taking over as the president of the hospital division at ThedaCare which included leading Theda Clark Medical Center and Appleton Medical Center in Appleton, Wisconsin.

As a top leader it became clear to her that the healthcare industry was lacking the discipline necessary to truly provide patient centered care. She stepped in and did the work to build a lean management system at ThedaCare which has been recognized around the world as the management standard for lean in healthcare. Her Shingo award winning book, Beyond Heroes: A Lean Management System for Healthcare set the tone for applying Lean principles to patient care. Her book is a primer for patient-centered health care delivery and is translated into several languages. Kim produced several award winning publications but Beyond Heroes occupies a unique niche.

She joined with friend and colleague John Toussaint after she left ThedaCare to lead Catalysis, a not-for-profit education institute. During her tenure as CEO she presided over multiple Catalysis conferences, spoke at many others, and co-authored with Toussaint another award-winning book, Becoming the Change: Leadership Behavior Strategies for Continuous Improvement in Healthcare.

Kim raised 3 beloved, cherished children supplying them limitless counsel, admiration and love. They are the inspiration of her life and connoisseur’s of fish sticks. Kim remains their North Star. She is a shining example of what it means to be a mama bear.

Kim is survived by husband John Utrie, Jr., Children Jereme (Gorretti Layco), Caleb and Sarah. Sister, Kathryn Lynn (Richard) and loving mother Donna Kay Taylor-Weirs.

The entire Utrie clan mourns her loss. Kim was assimilated as a family member grafting onto a branch of the Utrie. She was unconditionally loved by mother-in-law Pat Utrie, Sisters: Sara (Todd) Jadin, Elizabeth (Sean) Gibbons, Carla (Ken) Sumka and brothers: Tony (Elaine Motl) Utrie, Paul (Robin Goldsmith) Utrie and Nick (Michelle) Utrie. John’s Children: Briana Utrie-Mayer (Guy Mayer) and Dominick (Kayla) embraced our lives. Grandchildren Parker and Clay were uniquely loved.

She is preceded in death by son Jacob (born silent) and her father, Larry Vokoviak and father-in-law Jack Utrie. It is easy to envision her enjoying a Manhattan and a Gin with an ice cube with Larry and Jack.

Kim was deeply appreciative of all the prayers, well wishes and cares received from family and friends throughout her arduous journey. The support of her children and extended family bouyed her spirit and gave her strength.

Her spiritual strength was uplifted by the unselfish visits and communications from Bishop Robert Morneau who served as her spiritual mentor. There is no way to express our gratitude for the presence he provided.

The family would like to express sincere thanks to the team at Aurora BayCare Medical Center and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center who have supported Kim throughout this odyssey with compassion, professionalism and love. We are grateful to have such a human-centered health system so close to home. During her numerous hospital stays she was uplifted and humbled by seeing some of the techniques she taught around the world being implemented locally. While its impossible to hug and thank everyone individually special thanks to oncologist Dr Umang Gautam, MD who embodies what it means to be a physician.

Family and friends may visit at Resurrection Catholic Church, 333 Hilltop Drive, Green Bay, on Saturday, January 10, from 9:00am until 10:15am. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:30am with Fr. Robert Kollath officiating. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.

Please join with family and friends to continue celebrating Kim with conversations and sharing of good memories at Thornberry Creek at Oneida, 4470 N. Pine Tree Rd., Hobart on Saturday from Noon until 3pm.

In lieu of flowers and gifts memorial tributes be made to the “Kim Barnas Memorial Fund” which will be directed to support charities important to Kim. If you insist on sending flowers remember: “NO CARNATIONS”. (Seriously)

Contributions may be sent to:

Kim Barnas Memorial Fund

Nicolet Bank

Attn: Kristy Maney

111 N Washington St

Green Bay, WI 54301