Sarah Ann Kaczrowski

It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Sarah Ann Kaczrowski, following a brief and courageous journey with cancer. Sarah, age 46, was born on August 14, 1979, and entered eternal rest on January 23, 2026, at MercyOne Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, surrounded by the love of her family.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa. A memorial service will follow on Saturday, January 31, at 4:30 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of Hope in Waukee, Iowa. Burial will take place at Saint Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Alexandria, Minnesota at 2:00 p.m. on February 1, 2026.

Deeply loved by all who knew her, Sarah will be remembered for her service to others, warm laugh, generous hugs, kind and compassionate spirit, and the joy she found in life's simplest moments. Anchored in faith, she lived with grace and a deep trust in God's presence throughout her life.

Born in Rochester, MN, and lovingly adopted by William and Laura Kaczrowski, and blessed with the love of her stepmother, Deb Hokanson, Sarah was a cherished daughter and a devoted member of a close-knit family. She is lovingly survived by her siblings, grandmother, and friends: Mike Kaczrowski (Karen) and their children, Paige, Erica, and Alexander; Jennifer Kaczrowski-Taylor (Craig) and their children, Emily, William, and Jacob; Andrew Kaczrowski (Karen Salem); stepbrother, David Hokanson (April) and their children, Cora and Connor; stepsister, Joanna Klapperick (Andy) and their children, Hawken and Jordy; stepbrother, Dr. John Hokanson; and her grandmother, Jeanne Gronli. Sarah also shared close bonds with her friends, Jennifer Bryant, Abbie Sandquist and Jana Williams; as well as with her Lutheran Church of Hope family where her faith was nurtured and joyfully shared.

Sarah attended Holy Redeemer Catholic School from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade and graduated from Marshall Senior High School in Marshall, MN in 1998. She went on to graduate from Mount Marty University in Yankton, SD in 2003, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and dedicating her life’s work to supporting children and their families. Known for her kindness, compassion, and deep love of children, Sarah served as a Child Care Coordinator at Lutheran Church of Hope in Waukee, where she approached her work with patience, gentleness, and genuine care. She also faithfully served the church as an Ignition Leader and was actively involved in Vacation Bible School, Hospitality, and Book Studies, offering her time and heart in service to others. Working with young children in these roles was more than a career; it was a calling. Through her calm presence and nurturing spirit, Sarah created spaces where children felt safe, valued, and deeply loved. This same compassion extended to her family and friends, reflecting the wholehearted way she showed up for everyone in her life.

Sarah also worked at Starbucks at Hy-Vee, where she enjoyed serving people their favorite drinks and sharing meaningful conversations. She treasured the close friendships she formed with co-workers and friends at both Lutheran Church of Hope and Starbucks, connections that brought her joy, laughter, and a strong sense of belonging.

Outside of her work, Sarah shared a close-knit group of friends who were like family to her. She was an avid Minnesota Vikings and Iowa State football fan who knew every player's first and last name and rarely missed a game. Time spent with family and friends was deeply treasured, and she was well known for embracing the "Minnesota goodbye," often lingering far beyond her intended departure simply to enjoy a few more moments together. She found great comfort and joy at Lake Miltona, where she treasured time with family and found peace in pontoon rides and fun swimming with her siblings, nieces, and nephews.

Sarah was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Laura Kaczrowski; her grandparents, John and Rose Kaczrowski, and Albert and Florence Possail; and her grandfather, John Gronli.

With faith in God's promise of eternal life, Sarah is now at peace, held in Christ's loving embrace. Her kind heart, gentle humor, and steadfast faith will be remembered always. Though she is deeply missed, her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. In Sarah's memory, may we create joy, serve others, spend time with our families and friends, say a prayer, play with and read books to children, gather with friends, enjoy a simple treat, and, above all, give a hug.

Print