Kimberly W. Gherlone

Kimberly Wessels Gherlone, 67, passed away Monday August 16, 2021 from the ravages of the Wuhan Flu. The wife of Kevin "Guido" Gherlone, she is also survived by her brothers Patrick (Jeff) and Christopher, sister Megan Curlee (Brett), nephew Tom and many cousins and grand cousins. Kimberly was born August 20, 1953 in Libertyville, and was the daughter of the late Barbara (Peterson) and Thomas Wessels. After graduating from the College of Lake County, she started a career in Information Technology, working for Lake County and many local enterprises.  In 1982, along with Kevin, Kimberly was the founding partner of a technology consultancy, Creative Financial Consulting, that for almost forty years utilized her dedication, concern for customers and creativity to provide technology solutions to clients.  Her care and involvement resulted in forming many lasting personal relationships with those she met at clients. A skilled seamstress, Kimberly sewed most of her wardrobe, customizing fashions to fit her petite frame, even designing and creating her wedding dress.  One of her proudest accomplishments was reproducing the uniform of the Chicago Royal Airs Drum and Bugle Corps and creating custom-fit uniforms for many members of the reunion corps.  "Mrs. Guido" was the corps biggest fan and enjoyed making sure everyone looked their best when the corps took the field. As the Crew Chief for their hot air balloon, Freedom in the Wind, Kimberly made sure that every flight was safe and every adventure was a fun one. A life-long bowler, she looked forward to her Wednesday Morning Glories league and being with her teammates on Strikes R Better. Kimberly was an avid collector of many genres of figurines, hot air balloons, penguins and especially cats and dogs. Rescuing dogs and cats was Kimberly's calling and there was always a clowder of cats wherever she was living.  No stray was ever turned away; there was always room for one more. She was owned by over a dozen Newfoundland dogs, rescuing many of them, and will be well covered with drool and fur when she meets them at the Rainbow Bridge. Given her love for the breed, in lieu of flowers she requested donations to the Newfoundland Club of America Rescue fund.  Please make a donation, in her name, at https://www.ncacharities.org/donate.html

A Celebration of Life will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, Illinois 60030 September 3, 2021 from 4 to 8PM with a service at 7:30pm.  Please come and celebrate Kimberly's wonderful life.

For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org .