Kimberly Norine Ulsh-Altenburg

Kimberly Norine Ulsh-Altenburg, age 53, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loved ones on December 26th. Kim was born January 19, 1967, to Dennis and Alice Miller. She was the youngest of two siblings. She attended Great Falls High School where she met and later married Thomas Ulsh. They had three beautiful daughters together. Though their relationship turned out to be less permanent than either of them expected, they both chose to go their separate ways. Kim met Danni Altenburg who became her loving partner in life, raising children, and adventures for the next 26 years. While raising 3 teenage daughters, she put herself through college and obtained her nursing degree. Kim’s career centered around her passion for all things nursing. Her experience ranged anywhere from addiction to geriatrics, to home health, correctional, and travel nursing, but her true nursing calling was Wound Care. Being a mother and grandmother meant the world to Kim. She was a constant and unwavering pillar in her daughters’ lives. As a mother, she modeled and cultivated strength, compassion, and unconditional love. While she had many interests in her life, her daughters and grandchildren always came first. With an artistic eye and an appreciation for beauty of all forms, Kim loved to create and express herself through art. From whimsical pottery, to intricate quilts, to thoughtfully crafted gifts and cards, she always found ways to share beauty with those she loved. Her ability to find splendor and positivity in people and nature was a characteristic that endured throughout her life. She was driven and passionate about scuba diving, traveling, Broadway Musicals, and anything adventurous. She obtained her AOWD certification at the age of 50, while vacationing in Roatan with her family. She was always on the hunt for the next big adventure to enjoy with her loved ones . Kim was a perfect example of how to live a worthwhile life. While her life was cut short by cancer, she filled every moment with love, compassion, adventure, and drive. She believed in focusing on what is good, showing care and generosity to others, and dancing whenever music is played even with no rhythm. For Kim, nothing was more important than her family and friends. While heartbroken that she is no longer with them, her family and friends strive to live a life that honors the values and qualities that Kim so beautifully embodied. Kim is survived by her wife, Danni Altenburg; daughters, Tahran (Jeremy) Elder, Alyssa and Chelsea Ulsh; her grandchildren, Shayley, Brayden, Brooklynn, Addison, and Teigan, Grayson; and her great-grandson Oziah. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Todd Miller. The world is a little less bright without you in it, but everyone you touched will carry your spirit. She burned too bright for this world – Wuthering Heights A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, January 23, 2021, at 4 pm at First United Methodist Church in Great Falls, MT.