It is with heavy hearts that the family of Kalissa Kay Reeder, age 38, announce her sudden passing. Kalissa was born on March 3rd, 1987, in Dubuque Iowa and passed away on June 12th, 2025. She worked at The Five Flags Center and volunteered a great deal of time to promote local music.

From a young age, Kalissa had a heart of nurturing and caring for others. She was the oldest of eight children and was always eager to care for her younger siblings. She was homeschooled and graduated at the age of 16.  Her original dream was to become a doctor but after graduating high school she stated, ” I don’t want to be in school for years so I can help others; I want to do that now.”  Even as a child, she never hesitated to jump into any situation and offer assistance. This trait followed her into adulthood; most who knew her would say this defined who she was. She spent many years giving all she had to serve anyone she knew in a difficult situation. She was kind, compassionate and generous. Kalissa loved hiking, nature walks, star gazing and rock collecting. Wherever she went, she made it a point to find and take home rocks as a way to remember each place she had been. She had a fierce passion for music; a love she instilled deeply in her children. She is survived by three beautiful souls, Armond (17), Audrina (15) and Ambrose (13). Three lives forever changed and yet they will change the world. She leaves behind 7 siblings, Kaylee (Stin), Josiah (Ashley), Mya (J.R), Alicia (Dalton), Josh, Jesse (Sarah), as well as five ” bonus ” siblings.

Her siblings may live far from one another, across many states, but they are united in the pain of this loss and their love of a sister.

She will be deeply missed by her father Kreg Reeder, her mother Michelle (Steele) Croft, her stepfather Steven Croft, her grandmother Linda Reeder and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Together we mourn the years that will be missed with her many nieces and nephews.

The number of friends and family who are saddened by her passing are too numerous to list. There are far too many special people in her life to mention here. We know who you are, and we pray we have the opportunity to thank you all personally.  Zach, we are so sorry.

Our dear sweet young friend Addy, thank you for starting a beautiful memorial where she took her last breath and thank you all who have added to it. It has been a place of healing for many.  Thank you, Uncle Josh and Ben Johnson, for being present with us when we had to share this news with her children.

Kalissa is proceeded in death by her paternal grandfather and her maternal grandfather and grandmother.

The family would like to thank The Dubuque Police Department, The Dubuque Fire and Paramedics and the many people, unknown to us, that immediately ran to her side to render aid.

The family is incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love we have received thus far.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday July 26th, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at New Life Church, 835 South Grandview Heights, Dubuque, IA.

Leonard Funeral Home and Cremation is assisting the family. If you would like to contribute to the ongoing support of her three children, contributions may be sent to Leonard Funeral Home & Cremation, 2595 Rockdale Rd. Dubuque, IA. 52003