Kimberly Jo Cowden
August 23, 1969 ~ October 5, 2024
Born in:
Moorhead, Minnesota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Even as the brightest star must inevitably fall from the sky and burn out, so was the brilliant light of Dr. Kimberly Jo Cowden quietly extinguished on October 5 in Fargo at just 55 years old.
Born on August 23, 1969, in Moorhead, Minn. to Walter and Judy (Bronderslev) Cowden, she entered the world like a candescent comet and never looked back. The only daughter of the Cowden clan, this spunky girl sparkled wherever she went, and it became evident early on that she intended to do big things in her life.
Dr. Cowden—Kim—graduated from Moorhead High School in 1987, but before that, she spent a school year abroad as an exchange student with Rotary International in Blois, in the Loire Valley of France, a region known for its fabled and spectacular chateaux built for nobility dating all the way back to the 10th century. While there, she became a fluent French speaker, developed a lifelong love for all things Francophile, and forged enduring friendships with her French families and friends—not at all surprising given her genuine personality and exuberance.
She went on to graduate from Minnesota State University – Moorhead with a bachelor’s degree in communications, then worked toward earning a master’s degree in communications from North Dakota State University in Fargo, and finally reached the pinnacle of her education by receiving a doctoral degree in public relations and image management, also from NDSU.
During her college years, she was blessed to experience life abroad again, this time as an au pair for families in the Mediterranean over four summers on the island of Lesvos, Greece in the stunning Aegean Sea.
Ever a go-getter, her career began as a marketing director for Classic Roadsters and Sugar Sand Marine in Fargo. She parlayed her communication skills into advertising work at Kranzler Kingsley Communications, in Bismarck, No. Dak. She continued to provide excellent professional marketing services as a communications consultant for a time after establishing her company, Cowden Communications.
From there, Kim moved into academia for a time as an associate professor in the Department of Indian Studies at University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, No. Dak., then spent a few years in Colorado as an assistant professor in the Department of Mass Communication and Center for New Media at Colorado State University – Pueblo, Colo. Her passion for her profession drove her to excel as a college instructor and mentor to her students, and she received many academic accolades and awards in this chapter of her life. She also worked as a public relations specialist at Bechtel Corporation in Pueblo before returning to her roots in Fargo.
She loved music, theater, embraced the art of cooking and baking (making lefse with her grandmother’s treasured turning stick was a joy), and she earned her SCUBA certificate and loved exploring things under the water. She and her father also shared the special bond of sailing together in the Detroit Lakes area on their family’s sailboat. In addition, she was active for many years serving in multiple capacities in her family’s little church, Dilworth Presbyterian Church, Dilworth, Minn.
As someone who naturally gravitated toward water, Kim fell in love with lake life and spent many golden years with her family and friends filled with laughter, lazy sun-drenched afternoons on the pontoon, and listening to tunes on her jukebox in the sunroom at her special bit of heaven on earth, her cabin on Rock Lake just north of Detroit Lakes.
Although her resume was impressive, her greatest achievement and joy in life by far was found in the role of a mother. She met N. Eric Christoferson (Ric) while she was a young professional, and when her daughter Emily (27) was born, her focus and passion turned to her family. In 2001, she and Rick married, and they welcomed their son Ben (22) in 2002. She threw herself enthusiastically into raising her children and actively supporting them in everything from cheerleading to Boy Scouts.
Kim’s illuminating presence lit up any room she walked into. Her effervescent energy was undeniable. Her generosity and giving spirit were boundless. Her ringing laughter was infectious. Her amazing sense of adventure was invigorating. Her drive was impressive. Her accomplishments were myriad. Her zest for life was undeniable. Her joie de vivre was incredible, and her capacity to love was immense.
To strangers, she was at once vivacious yet approachable. To peers, she was respected and well-liked. To her people, she was beloved and cherished.
Like far too many others however, Kim fell victim early on in adulthood to the subtle wiles of a sinister and formidable foe, one that insidiously snaked its way into her world masked as a pleasurable pastime, “happiness” in the form of a socially accepted demon, and solace in the numbing yet comforting effects of inebriation, and it furtively but firmly took hold of her body and soul, stealing everything of value in her life until there was virtually nothing left—and even then, it demanded and exacted the ultimate price: her tragic and untimely end.
The pain of powerlessly watching a loved one with such potential, such talent, and such love for life slowly slip away into an unreachable dark place was unbearable. It would be tragic enough for one person to be lost to the abyss of alcohol addiction; sadly, this is a reality experienced by millions of families and friends worldwide, and the number of victims claimed by this thief rises exponentially each year.
Kim’s earthly struggle has ended, but those who knew her best understand that she was so much more than her addiction, and we fervently believe that she would not want her personal battle to have been in vain. To those who are experiencing or know someone caught in the grip of addiction, perhaps her story can be a catalyst as well as a cautionary tale. There is still time—until there isn’t—and there are so many people and resources available to help loosen the captive chains of this prison from which countless souls desperately long to escape. Please reach out for a lifeline and let your loved ones in before it’s too late. Hope and a life that is so much more fulfilling than the bottom of an empty bottle awaits…if you or someone you know struggles with addiction, please call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to take the first step in healing.
Dr. Cowden was preceded in death by her mother Judy K. Cowden, her older brother William (Bill) M. Cowden, her younger brother Kevin S. Cowden, and her grandparents William and Hazel Cowden and Earnest and Leanore Bronderslev.
She is survived by her two beloved children: Emily Johnston (Scott and her grandson-in-utero, due in February 2025), Stillwater, Minn. and Ben Christoferson, Atlanta, Ga; her father Walter Cowden (Karie), Lake George, Minn.; her sister-in-law Kerri Cowden and nieces Kayte and Morgan Cowden, Maple Grove, Minn.; her sister-in-law Dr. Heather Cowden and her nephew Gunnar, Woodbury, Minn.; her nephew Logan Sondergaard (Kallie), Silver Lake, Minn.; and a veritable host of many other loved ones and friends in the United States and Europe.
A private celebration of life with her family and close friends is planned to take place at a later date.
Her circle of family and friends will honor the memory of Kim. We will always remember and celebrate the bright light of her inimitable sprit.
In the poignant lyrics of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” appropriately written the year Kim was born (1969), “sail on, silver girl…sail on by.” We love you.
Kim was a pivotal and influential woman in my life. From the moment we met in 2008, she led the way in the fabulous excursion of life that led us on many adventures. I have a treasure trove of memories that I will cherish forever.. There will never be another Kim. Every time I make her crème brûlées recipe, enjoy artichokes dipped in butter or have a glass of Gran Mariner, i will think of my dear friend. I will miss you like crazy. Thank you for lighting my way. I love you.
The Mitchell
Family sends its condolences. The memory of her smile and light remains with us.
Leon Klose 🙏🙏🙏
I am so sorry to hear this. I really hope joyed getting to know her better at Moorhead State. She really lit up a room — always smiled and laughing and getting people.
So sad.
Went to Elementary School with Kim! Remember sitting across from her during lunch . Bright light!
I went too George Washington Grade School with Kim and onto Junior High than High School she had a great sense of humor and a fun loving gal!!!! RIP Kim you will be Missed by All!!!!
I am so sadden to see this. Kim was such a wonderful scholar and teacher. I knew her through NDSU, and then in academia. She truly was a bright star.
Her former professors at NDSU are shocked and saddened by this news. She was one of our best students and successful in so many ways.
My heart aches to hear this news. RIP Kim.
So sad. And I had no idea she was back in Fargo either. I will miss you so much Kim.
Matt Olien, Fargo