Kimberlyn J. “Kimi” Wilson, 50, of Owatonna, died Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, at St. Marys Hospital after a three year battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was born Nov. 24, 1961, in Owatonna, the daughter of Ron Wilson and Judy Wilson. She attended Owatonna High School and graduated in 1980. She attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., graduated from University of Wisconsin– LaCrosse with majors in physical education and health, and later earned her master’s degree in educational leadership. Kimi was employed by the Faribault School District where she has taught and coached more than 23 years. She coached girls’ basketball, boys’ tennis, and girls’ fastpitch softball.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and an active advocate for pancreatic cancer awareness. Kimi had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and spending time at the cabin. She had a passion for working with her students and athletes, enjoyed traveling and had an appreciation for the Native American culture.

She is survived by her parents, Ron (and Shirley) Wilson of Kasson and Judy Wilson (and Clyde Madden) of Owatonna. Her family also includes, Sherrie Gayken of Owatonna, and her daughter Darcie Gayken of Albert Lea; sisters, Shelli Wilson of Wild Rose, Wis., and Beverly (and Richard) Martin of Kasson and their son, Zackary; brother, Bob (and Michelle) Arett of Blooming Prairie and their sons, Blake and Ethan; niece, Amanda (and Jerod) Hoffman of Wild Rose, Wis.; grandmother, Betty Glock of Owatonna.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Ray and Lillian Wilson, Norman and Emily Reiter, Sidney Glock and nephew, Colton Arett.

Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home from 3 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday and at Trinity Lutheran Church on Friday from 1 to 2 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. Julie Malone officiating. Interment will be in the Steele Center Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, Calif. 90266 or www.pancan.org.