Katie Lynn Stolebarger, 42

It is said that in heaven, an angel is not rare, but human angels are beacons that simply being who they are, illuminate the darkness, to help others stay the course. Such was the life of Katie Lynn Stolebarger (Roetter), May 17, 1982 to May 4, 2025.

A native of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, a graduate of Coeur d’Alene High School and Biola University, Katie was a local realtor for many years with Windermere Realty. Her life’s work was about serving others. She could intuitively perceive a person’s need or feel another’s hurt and find the path of remedy while witnessing the source of her strength, Jesus Christ. In short, Katie was a friend to all, and her magical smile and energy made people feel valued, safe and accepted.

Katie’s life was exemplary of her ethos, which was based on one of the greatest commandments: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Although many struggle to live this way, it came naturally to Katie. She loved people with gentle yet deep care. She loved her family and friends with a velvet and abiding force that healed our souls. This beautiful, gentle woman also battled like a Navy Seal for 10.5 years against stage 4 breast cancer so she could remain with her greatest love, her son, Jackson Stolebarger. She never gave up her fight to stay with Jackson, refusing medications that would have eased her symptoms in order to save her organs and lengthen her life. Katie fought an epic battle, and her passing has left a deep wound in all of us.

Katie is survived by her parents, Matt and Karen Roetter, her sister, Andrea Whiteman (Blake), sister Tara Vucinich (Shea), numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, her dog, Cooper, and, of course, her beloved son, Jackson.

We will celebrate her well-lived life Saturday, May 31, at the Hayden Anthem Church, 251 W. Miles, Hayden, Idaho. The service will begin at 10 a.m. Please dress in your finest clothes, as Katie loved nothing more than dressing up for an outing with friends.

Her family is especially grateful for the loving, outstanding care Katie received from her medical providers, Dr. Toby Hallowitz and staff at Cd’A Acupuncture and Dr. David Bartels, Danice and staff at Beacon Clinic. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the college fund for Jackson Stolebarger, Katie’s beloved Biola University, or Hospice of North Idaho in Katie’s name.