News
Remembering Kim Love: Visionary Founder, Philanthropist, and Community Champion
Sheridan Media is mourning the loss of its founder, former owner, and longtime voice, Kim Love, who passed away Saturday, May 24th at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. A true pioneer in local broadcasting, a tireless advocate for community causes, and an unbelievable philanthropist, Kim leaves behind a legacy defined by leadership, generosity, and deep commitment to Sheridan and the surrounding region.
Born and raised in St. Louis, Kim’s lifelong connection to Wyoming began in childhood, when his family spent summers at Paradise Ranch outside of Buffalo. That bond deepened in high school when his father, Bud Love, purchased the UM Ranch—land that would later become the Bud Love Big Game Habitat Unit following Bud’s passing in 1968.
Never one to be silenced or easily categorized, Kim’s wit, intellect, and curiosity were evident from an early age. After a brief and, in his own words, “challenging” run at a St. Louis high school, he thrived at a boarding school in New Hampshire, where he served as editor of both the school newspaper and yearbook. He later attended the University of Virginia, interrupting his studies to voluntarily join the U.S. Army at the height of the Vietnam War—a decision he considered among the most formative of his life. It was during this time he developed a lifelong love of reading and learning.
After graduating from UVA with a degree in economics, Kim moved to Wyoming to explore ranching but soon found his calling elsewhere. In 1974, with two partners, he purchased KROE Radio in Sheridan—a small AM station with minimal audience share, housed in a double-wide trailer on what was then known as “Dump Road.”
With no formal broadcasting experience but plenty of grit and determination, Kim stepped in as general manager and began building something remarkable. Sheridan Media, as it would later be known, grew into a multi-platform organization encompassing nine radio stations, a weekly publication (The Country Bounty), and two digital news platforms.
Kim understood early on that community service and strong local journalism were the backbone of any successful media outlet. He built a team of passionate sales and on-air professionals, mentored broadcasters, and involved himself and the station in virtually every aspect of community life. His efforts were recognized on both the state and national level, as KROE became the first Wyoming radio station to receive the prestigious Crystal Award from the National Association of Broadcasters. His news and public service programming garnered numerous awards from the Wyoming Association of Broadcasters.
In 1975, he launched Public Pulse, Sheridan’s first hour-long public affairs radio program. He hosted the show for more than four decades—until his retirement from the mic on his 72nd birthday in August 2017.
Following his retirement from Sheridan Media, Kim made the extraordinary decision to form an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), ensuring that the company would be owned by the very people who helped build it. The move cemented his belief in the value of employee contributions and created a sustainable, local future for Sheridan Media under the leadership of its staff. It was one final and lasting gift to the people he had worked alongside for decades.
Kim’s commitment to Sheridan didn’t end at the studio door. He was instrumental in the creation and growth of the Sheridan Public Arts Committee, serving as its chair. Thanks in part to his vision and advocacy, Sheridan now boasts one of the largest permanent outdoor sculpture collections in the region, including standout pieces like Leonardo’s Horse, Interconnection by Allan Houser, and Bird Woman by Richard Greeves.
His other service roles included trustee of Whitney Benefits, board member of the Sheridan-Johnson Community Foundation, School District #2 trustee, elder at the First Presbyterian Church, and past president of the Lions Club and the Wyoming Association of Broadcasters.
In 1998, Kim married Mary Kay Knickrehm —a partnership he often described as the best decision of his life. Friends and colleagues note the calm and grace Mary Kay brought into Kim’s busy, sometimes cantankerous world.
In 2010, Kim turned his attention to revitalizing downtown Sheridan, opening Frackelton’s, a fine-dining restaurant in a once-vacant Main Street building. What began as a personal challenge turned into one of Wyoming’s top-rated restaurants and a catalyst for downtown’s renaissance.
Then came Dining for a Cause—perhaps the most powerful example of Kim’s philanthropic heart. With support from Sheridan Media and Frackelton’s, Kim launched this unique fundraiser by donating all proceeds—including tips—from a full day of business to a local nonprofit, Dining for a Cause has raised over a million dollars, matched by hundreds of thousands in donor contributions, benefiting groups like The Food Group, the Salvation Army, the Sheridan Library, Search and Rescue, and many others.….. In just one evening in early 2025, the program raised more than $130,000 for The Food Group.
Kim lived life with bold enthusiasm and a deep sense of responsibility to others. Whether dressing as Santa for local kids, walking his pet camel Clyde in parades, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, or skydiving in New Zealand, he lived fully and gave generously. His adventures were many, but his greatest legacy is right here in Sheridan—in the lives and institutions he touched.
Kim was preceded in death by son Alex and sister Christy. And is survived by his wife Mary Kay, daughter Betsy and brother Dr Charles Love (Linda). His memory lives on in the organization he built, the employees he empowered, the nonprofits he supported, and the community he helped shape and dearly loved. Sheridan Media extends heartfelt condolences to the Love family and invites the public to share their memories of Kim—a broadcaster, a builder, a leader, and one of Sheridan’s most impactful philanthropists.
Laura Grott, WAB
May 24, 2025 at 7:25 pm
Sending thoughts and prayers to Mary Kay, the Love family and SHERIDAN Media. Kim will long be remembered in the broadcasting world as a first class owner, operator and broadcaster.
Mike McLaughlin
May 24, 2025 at 9:22 pm
Kim was a great Man, he will be missed by many…………..
Sarah Mentock
May 24, 2025 at 10:10 pm
Kim, your clear-headed, generous, feisty spirit has made our town what it is. We will miss you.
Gene
May 25, 2025 at 7:00 am
Kim was a great friend to have, a one of a kind hero that will be so greatly missed.
Terry W Proffit
May 25, 2025 at 7:03 am
Rest In Peace
Phillip Johnson
May 25, 2025 at 8:04 am
Rest in Peace
On behalf of SHS Class of 1965
Phillip B. Johnson and Classmates.
Thank you
Susan Clinch
May 25, 2025 at 9:31 am
What a huge loss for us all! Kim was someone who required that you pay less attention to what he said…and more attention to what he did. Because what he did was so often filled with generosity and concern for the community he loved, and helped shape. Sending heartfelt condolences to Mary Kay, Betsy, Charlie and all who mourn this loss.
Janet Maxwell
May 25, 2025 at 11:37 am
I knew Kim and although we totally disagreed politically, he was a kind and giving man. He loved Sheridan! I would get cross with him about things he may say on the radio. But I also got to see his vibrate and soft side when it came to local kids in need He once gave me his personal credit card and told me to buy whatever they ( a local family) needed. That blew my mind!
I knew he was a good man. Others disagreed but he let me see beyond the veil.
Betsy and Mary Kay ,
My condolences to you both. I hope your lives are full and happy. I loved him too! After moving away from Sheridan I appreciated him more and more.
Megan Williams
May 25, 2025 at 4:49 pm
Kim was a good man and wonderful friend. I will miss him terribly. Deepest condolences to Mary Kay, Betsy and Charley.
Beth Drexel Holsinger
May 25, 2025 at 5:33 pm
We are so saddened by this loss. Kim was genuinely kind and generous in every situation. His deep interest in others and hope for the future of Sheridan will live on in so many ways. He will be missed…
Lindy Burgess
May 25, 2025 at 6:11 pm
This tribute to Kim captured him utterly. Well done, Sheridan Media.
He was a fine fixture to our town for a long time and he will be sorely missed by all.
Art McCulloch
May 26, 2025 at 9:46 am
It is a sad day for us at Compass Center for Families to learn of the passing of Kim Love. He was an incredible benefactor to Compass having gifted us a 7000 square foot building, paying for extensive remodeling, and supporting us financially over the years. His generosity and advice resulted in Compass’ expanded ability to strengthen our community by providing services to hundreds of children and families in need with our programs and state-of-the-art facility. We refer to our facility as the “House that Love Built” and he will surely be remembered for all the good he has done for Sheridan.
Pat Blair
May 26, 2025 at 10:17 am
I am among the many many people to benefit from Kim’s caring and generosity. I will always be grateful to this wonderful man who was so good to his employees, his family, his friends and his community. May your soul, rest in the peace of knowing how much good you have done.
Jack and Karen Livingston
May 26, 2025 at 8:32 pm
Kim and Mary Kay were such a blessing to our family following the death of our son, Jarod. We and the community will greatly miss his Iinfluence and caring heart.
Edre Jane Maier
May 27, 2025 at 7:03 am
God Bless Kim. He was so special
John Baggett
May 27, 2025 at 9:07 am
Kim Love gave me an opportunity in radio in the early 1980’s that turned into my life’s career of over 40 years. I am forever grateful. Thank you Kim, RIP.
Chris Rolando
May 27, 2025 at 2:37 pm
A good man and a good broadcaster. I am happy that I got to know him over the years.
Kenneth Heuermann
May 27, 2025 at 6:32 pm
WHAT ELSE CAN BE SAID- BUT “THANK YOU KIM”
Carola W Schmidt
May 27, 2025 at 10:32 pm
Kim Love was THE pillar of this community. His kindness, generosity, wit and intelligence will not be forgotten. No one will ever fill his shoes.
Jim Perkins
May 28, 2025 at 9:28 pm
Kim was a great contributor, and supporter, of the Sheridan community. He will be missed.
Larry Samson
May 29, 2025 at 7:44 am
Kim Love, Tom Kinnison and Dave Kinskey (the three K’s) collectively worked to make Sheridan a better community in so many ways. Kim relentlessly acted as a visionary for the community in so many apparent and untold ways. Rest in peace Kim
Dan Casey
May 29, 2025 at 11:05 am
Kim was a big sponsor and advocate of the Sheridan Chess Association. As a chess player, advocate and generous sponsor he will be missed by many.
Pennie Vance
May 29, 2025 at 3:19 pm
It’s hard to imagine a Sheridan, Wyoming, without a Kim Love. His generosity was bequeathed with a unique blend of boldness, sincerity and humility that seeped into so many nooks and crannies of this community…he will be sorely missed by many. Deepest condolences to Mary Kay and family.
Anita
June 9, 2025 at 6:10 pm
I am saddened to hear of Kim’s passing. That man changes his community for the better. I am sending prayers to his family.