Emily Kachulis

CEDAR FALLS – Emily Marie Kachulis, 53, died on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN. She was born on July 3, 1970, in Cedar Falls, IA, the daughter of Charles and Ruth Ann (Shriver) Kachulis. She graduated from Northern University High School and attended classes at the University of Northern Iowa. Emily loved dogs and was a ‘Mom’ to Sadie and Tulah. She was also very artistic, painting and quilting. Many lucky people own beautiful quilts that she made. She also worked as a volunteer at Birthright for a short time and was a member of PEO. Emily also loved children, and has two Godchildren named after her. She was the best Aunt to her nieces and nephews, and was so loved by her family. She also had many close friends and loved any kind of social gathering. Emily enjoyed traveling with her husband Randy and her friends and family. She especially loved the beach and Anna Maria Island. In spite of Emily’s many health challenges over the years, she was always positive. When she was a baby the doctors told her parents she might only live to be in her teens due to heart complications. She was fierce and fought every step of the way until 2011, when she checked herself into the Mayo clinic to wait for a heart and lung transplant. She waited in the hospital for two months until she was given the true gift of life from her organ donor, Raul Patino, on November 6, 2011. Following the transplant, she had renewed life and was able to go for walks in the woods with her dog, something most of us take for granted, but she cherished. Emily is survived by her husband, Randy Howe, of Cedar Falls; mother, Ruth Ann Shriver of Urbandale; sisters, Carol (Sam) Anderson, their sons Ryan (Rachel) and Brady and Rachel (Kevin) Busch, their daughter Valerie and son Benjamin. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Kachulis and stepfather, Jeffrey Blank. A celebration of life will be held 3:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Beaver Hills Country Club in Cedar Falls. A private family service will be held with Richardson Funeral Service. No memorials are requested.

Emily Kachulis

July 3, 1970 - January 10, 2024