2LT Kaitlyn Marie-Smith Velsvaag

1995-2019



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Kaitlyn Marie-Smith Velsvaag

April 9, 1995 - January 27, 2019

LT Kaitlyn Marie-Smith Velsvaag, 23, passed away Sunday, January 27, 2019 at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Fayetteville, NC.

Kaitlyn was born at Womack Army Medical Center, Ft. Bragg, NC on April 9, 1995. She graduated from Wiesbaden High School, Wiesbaden, Germany in 2013 and received an Army ROTC Scholarship to the University of Dubuque, Iowa. In May of 2017 she graduated with Majors in Criminal Justice and Psychology and a Minor in Military Science. After commissioning she branched Military Police (MP) and was incredibly honored to be assigned to the 503rd MP Battalion (Airborne) at Fort Bragg. She proudly completed Airborne school in November.

Kaitlyn is loved by so many for her kind and beautiful soul. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her parents, Linnea Velsvaag and James Campbell; her father, Cory Smith; her best friend/twin sister, Kirsten George (Austin); maternal grandmother, Lana Jackson; maternal grandfather, Herman Velsvaag (Deloris); paternal grandparents, Kenneth and Jeary Smith, Richard and Marion Campbell; Uncles, John Velsvaag and Jeaf Smith; Aunts, Laura Velsvaag and Barb King (Lawrence); soul mate, Anthony Louis Reed; and a host of extended family members and friends throughout the world.

Visitation will be 4:00 – 6:00 PM Saturday, February 2, 2019 at LaFayette Funeral Home, 6651 Raeford Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28304.

Funeral services and inurnment will take place in Arlington National Cemetery this summer.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Kaitlyn’s memory to Thundering Paws Adoption Center http://thunderingpawsinc.robertgable.net or an animal shelter of your choosing. Kaitlyn’s cat, Artemis, was adopted through their program and he gave her so much joy.

Arrangements for the family are entrusted to LaFayette Funeral Home, 6651 Raeford Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28304. Online condolences may be made at www.lafayettefh.com.


Note from the Alumni Association:
 The Wiesbaden Warrior community is proud of all that Kaitlyn accomplished in her short time with us on this earth. Her mother, Linnea worked at General H. H. Arnold High School as a counselor. Sincere condolences going out to Linnea and her family for the loss of their daughter, and to all of Kaitlyn's friends.



Robert T. Kelly Jr.
May 8, 2020 2:30 PM

Linnea,

Shocked and heartbroken to see this today. Nothing but thoughts and prayers to you on the passing of your beautiful daughter, Kaitlyn.

Rob Kelly


Lisa
February 16, 2019 2:01 PM

My deepest condolences to the family. May God's future promises at John 5:28,29 of an earthly resurrection and Revelation 21:3,4 of no more suffering or death bring you comfort. Until that time comes, God assures us at Psalm 34:18 that he "is close to the brokenhearted" and "saves those who are crushed in spirit." So he understands your pain and grief and is eager to help you by giving you the strength you need to cope during this most difficult time. (Philippians 4:13)


Devin Dipple
February 6, 2019 1:29 PM




Anne Minter O'Donnell
February 5, 2019 2:42 PM

Having met Kaitlyn as her cat, Artemis, went through his neuter surgery, it was obvious she was going to be a great "mom" to her furry pal! Her love of animals will live on through the many four-legged lives that will be touched by the generosity of her spirit and that of her family and friends. It is obvious from the photos she packed every ounce of living into her young life. Her service to our nation is appreciated; may she rest easy among her comrades. My heart goes out to you in your sadness and prays that in days to come that sadness will become a myriad of beautiful memories of a precious life well lived.

With sympathy, Anne Minter O'Donnell, Secretary/Treasurer
Thundering Paws Pet Adoption Center, Inc.


Matthew A. Martinez
February 5, 2019 6:49 AM

There are no words to express how much you will be missed by your friends and family. I got to know you a bit through watching you play basketball. It was always so obvious how proud your mom and Jim were of you when I would visit Wisbaden and get updates. Rest Easy Kaitlyn.


Pam and Hans Hillestad
February 3, 2019 8:04 PM

What a joy for life Kaitlyn always shared with others. She brought such zest for life to everything she ever did and was one of the most optimistic people I've known. I'm so very sad that this world has lost her. I do know, however, that her love will continue to shine through Linnea, Jim, and Kristen as well as the many, many lives Kaitlyn touched. Please know that her memory and kindness is forever planted in our hearts. She made everything and everyone better.


Christine Sunga
February 2, 2019 8:22 PM

I wasn't directly friends with the twins, but I remember Kaitlyn and Kirsten as the most inseperable duo back in high school with the most fantastic parents; who also happened to be everyone's mentors / coaches for sports everyone loved having.

Being involved so much with sports and after school programs back in high school I've seen the twins and their parents give so much back to not just the community, but to my team mates, classmates, and even myself during the times in need.

It breaks my heart to see so many Wiesbaden folks grieving for the family. But your hard work, dedication and admirable personality will forever be remembered.

Keeping the loving Velsvaag family & Coach Campbell in my thoughts and prayers.

Rest Easy Kaitlyn


💗 Anonymous
February 2, 2019 6:17 PM

There are no words to express my sadness about you being gone. You are so easy to talk too. I think you could get secrets out of everyone. I am so fortunate to have you in my life even if it was a short time. You will forever be missed. Rest easy you beautiful person.


Joanna Stockton
February 2, 2019 11:32 AM

Tom and I are sincerely sorry for your loss. We both enjoyed our times with Kaitlyn here in Fayetteville, NC. I especially loved doing things with my former student. We took a painting class together and had such fun. We were planning to do another one relatively soon. I remember when she got her kitten and we had a new rescue kitten also so we traded kitten stories. Kaitlyn was a wonderful, sweet, intelligent, caring person. My memory of her will be permanently etched in my heart. Nothing is worse for a parent than the untimely death of a child. I share that memory with you and you will be in my thoughts and prayers as I know how difficult it will be. I love you all and wish you peace as you remember your beautiful times together with your precious daughter.


Grete velsvåg
February 2, 2019 11:14 AM

Mye senere condolenses to the family from Grete Velsvåg in Norway


Katherine Gable
February 1, 2019 8:50 PM

Kaitlyn was a blessing to her young kitten, Artemis. Rescued animals are ever so thankful to have a home. Kaitlyn provided that loving home for her kitten. Kaitlyn told me she was ready to have a kitten and I remember how important it was to her to have everything ready for Artemis. She did a wonderful job raising him from a tiny kitty to a beautiful cat. I thought at the time she adopted how wonderful that such a fine young woman was ready to welcome a rescued kitten. She really cared and loved animals. I remember the day of Artemis' neuter and she told me that she could hardly wait for my call to tell her he made it through the surgery just fine and she could come get him. Her response was one of relief and happiness to have her kitten back. The Lord blessed Thundering Paws with such a wonderful kitty mommy, Kaitlyn. I am praying for all of Kaitlyn's family and friends and for Artemis too, and may the days ahead be filled with loving memories of Kaitlyn to sustain you all this time.

With my deepest sympathy,

Katherine Gable, Past President
Founder of Thundering Paws Pet Adoption Center, Inc.


A Doby
February 1, 2019 7:37 PM

I was so saddened to hear today of such a wonderful young lady passing. My daughters both graduated in Wiesbaden and one with your daughter. My daughter spoke so highly of both your daughters. My prayers go out to you and your family.


Linda Daquil
February 1, 2019 5:31 PM

We are blessed to have wonderful, loving Kaitlyn become a Thundering Paws family member by adopting 6-week old Artemis from us in May. Kaitlyn was happy and excited to show me how he plays during my June visit. Artemis was too small to jump on the kitchen counter, but Kaitlyn knew he would soon challenge the leap. We celebrate Kaitlyn's big heart, sincere love for animals and the difference Kaitlyn will continue to make by rescuing animals.

We extend our most heartfelt condolences to Kaitlyn's family and our prayers are with you in this difficult time.

We are greatly honored to live the wonderful memories of Kaitlyn by inspiring all to give many more Artemis' a chance for a happy life.

Thundering Paws Pet Adoption Center, Inc.
President Linda Daquil


Expression of Sympathy
February 1, 2019 3:09 PM




Undra Robinson
February 1, 2019 10:13 AM

Kaitlyn,
Your life gave so much to many to share forever. Today, we celebrate you and I lift you up in prayer. You will always be in our hearts because of your infectious smile.

Mrs. Robinson


Anonymous
January 31, 2019 9:20 PM

There are no words to comfort a Family that looses a Precious Angel. Don’t be Sad, Celebrate the times She made u laugh with that innocent quirky smile. Celebrate the times you were down and she made you feel better. There are very few individuals put on this Earth that have impacted so many with only positive reinforcement at such a young age.


Lauren Barry
January 31, 2019 10:55 AM




Steve Jewell
January 31, 2019 2:52 AM

Kaitlyn was an outstanding example of what we all could be. Successful athlete, strong student, caring friend, committed leader and an adventurous spirit. She chose the life of a soldier to serve her country, Hilda and I will be forever grateful for her service. In her short time with us she made an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew her. Go quietly into the night young Warrior though your time here was cut short the lives you impacted were many, we will miss you.

Steve & Hilda Jewell


Rest in Peace, Kaitlyn.

Kaitlyn Marie-Smith Velsvaag

1995-2019