Obituary of Kirsten Jeanne Dorney

Kirsten Jeanne Dorney, age 59, of Bethlehem Twp, NJ, passed away on Saturday August 31, 2024. She was born on January 23, 1965, and was the daughter of James and the late Cynthia (née Kovacs) Dorney.

Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, Kirsten’s military family moved frequently before finally settling in northern New Jersey. She attended Morristown Beard School, Millburn High School, and Drew University, where she met her future husband, Mark. Kirsten later transferred to Cornell University, graduating in 1988 as the third generation in her family to earn a degree from the esteemed institution. A few years later, in 1994, she achieved another family milestone by graduating from Mississippi State University School of Veterinary Medicine, becoming the third generation of veterinarians in her family, following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather.

From a young age, Kirsten knew she wanted to be a veterinarian. She began working with her father at just 13, learning every facet of running a veterinary hospital—from cleaning cages and assisting doctors to managing inventory and payroll. This comprehensive hands-on experience shaped her understanding and love for the field.

Upon earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, Kirsten discovered that the most fulfilling part of her job was building lasting relationships with clients. Many of the clients she had known since childhood followed her throughout her career, a testament to the strong bonds she had formed. She took particular pride in watching the puppies she saw in her first year of practice grow up and return to see her annually.

Kirsten's dedication to her clients and their pets was a cornerstone of her career. After leaving her initial practice, many clients chose to follow her to her new location, seeking to continue the cherished doctor-patient relationship she had cultivated.

Outside of her professional life, Kirsten was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Flemington, NJ. During her third pregnancy, she discovered NASCAR and became a devoted fan of the rising star Jimmie Johnson, even traveling to California to meet him with her young son.

Kirsten also had a deep love for Country Music, particularly enjoying the intersection of her interests when artists performed at NASCAR events. Her favorite artist was Brad Paisley, and she cherished his collaboration with Alabama, which included a NASCAR-themed video. Although she didn't attend many concerts, one of her memorable experiences was seeing Alabama live.

A passionate Disney enthusiast, Kirsten ensured that each of her three children visited a Disney park by their first birthday. A treasured memory was her oldest daughter, Rebecca, taking her first steps at Disneyland, with a Disney Cast Member capturing the moment. Kirsten often combined her professional trips to the annual Veterinary Conference in Orlando with visits to the Disney parks.

Kirsten's love for animals extended beyond her work; she visited numerous zoos, wildlife parks, and animal-related attractions across the United States. She was especially fond of birds and had a unique ability to interact with them, often getting close enough to touch them despite signs warning otherwise. Photography was another of Kirsten’s passions, and she enjoyed capturing stunning images of animals with her powerful zoom lens.

Kirsten is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Mark Rauschkolb, and their children, Rebecca, Kyra, and Walter.

All services will be held privately at this time under the care of Martin Funeral home, Clinton NJ. To send condolences to the family please visit www.martinfh.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pura Vida Animal Rescue, Please Click Here to Donate