Kimberly Soon Jin (Lee) Rife

Kimberly Soon Jin (Lee) Rife went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at the age of 39, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota.

Born on April 24, 1986 in Seoul, South Korea, Kim came to the United States at 3 months old where she became the cherished daughter of John “Jack” and Charlene “Char” Lee in Sebeka, Minnesota through adoption. From an early age, she valued family and friends and was always trying to make plans and finding ways to pull everyone together. She graduated from Sebeka High School in 2004.

Kim married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Austen Rife, on June 24, 2006 in Sebeka, Minnesota. Together, the couple had five beautiful children, Ashton, Parker, Cooper, Bailee, and Jack. They also added to the family Jaiden, and Alex through child foster care. Kim loved her kids more than anything and was so proud of them. She was an incredible mom. She encouraged each of her children to be unapologetically themselves and supported them as they forged their own unique journeys in life.

Kim believed family was more than just blood—it was a calling in her life to bless and care for anyone in need. She opened not only her home but also her heart, welcoming others to live with her and her family, treating them as if they were her own.

Kim’s desire to help others extended even further. She gave the ultimate gift of life by serving as a surrogate for families, allowing them to experience the joy she cherished most—having a child.

In the early years of their marriage, Kim and Austen relocated several times for career growth, living in Ohio, Michigan, North Dakota, and eventually returning to Minnesota to oversee the family business. Wherever Kim lived, she brought people together and made a positive impact on those around her.

After returning to Sebeka, Kim dove headfirst into her work to strengthen her hometown. She ran the family’s businesses, started an adult foster care in their home, and served on numerous boards and committees focusing on improving the community. Most importantly, Kim started many initiatives with the goal of making a positive impact in the lives of children and the most vulnerable. Kim had the gift of making everything look easy, even when she had the weight of the world on her shoulders.

Kim will be forever remembered for her humility, her incredible laugh and sense of humor, her generous heart and selflessness, her ability to see others and make everyone feel like they mattered, her unending work ethic, and her deep love for her family and friends.

She is lovingly survived by her husband, Austen; their children, Ashton, Parker, Cooper, Bailee, Jack, Jaiden, and Alex; her parents, Jack and Char Lee; her brothers, Michael Lee (Stephanie), Eric Lee (Kristin Fredrickson), and Thomas Lee (Diane), and numerous extended family members and friends. Kim touched so many lives, and her legacy will live on in those who love her.

Kim is preceded in death by John S. Lee (grandfather), Avis M. Lee (grandmother), Kenneth J. Nolting (grandfather), Shirley L. Nolting (grandmother), and Randall D. Lee (uncle).

Though our hearts grieve in Kim’s absence, we know that heaven shines a bit brighter with her there.

Visitation will be on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 4-7 PM at Wevley Funeral Home, 107 First St NE, Sebeka, MN. 

A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, April 19, at 1PM at the Sebeka High School Gymnasium. Burial will follow in Sebeka West Cemetery. Additional Visitation one hour prior to the service at the School. 

Wevley Funeral Home- Sebeka is entrusted with arrangements.

Kim Rife Funeral Live Stream  https://www.youtube.com/live/sYDjt9vL9z0?feature=share

Given the sudden and unexpected circumstances of Kim's death, memorials are appreciated. If you wish to donate, and contribute to the funeral costs, please reach out to the funeral home directly at 218/837-9455, (M-F from 9-4p preferred) and a donation can be applied. 

If you wish to send a card to the family, the address of the funeral home is: Wevley Funeral Home; PO Box 242, Sebeka, MN 56477. 

The family appreciates your prayers, support and love at this time.