When you hear the name Kimberly Fey, two very different stories might come to mind. One involves Hollywood glamour, boy bands, and a high-profile marriage to Donnie Wahlberg of New Kids on the Block. The other tells a quieter but equally powerful tale of punk rock ethos, community building, and unwavering courage in the face of mortality.
This article focuses on the Kimberly Fey who made an indelible mark on Portland, Oregon—not as a celebrity spouse, but as a force of nature who proved that punk was a lifestyle, not just a music genre. Known to her community as Kim Fern, she left a legacy that continues to inspire activists, cyclists, and dreamers who believe in building a better world from the ground up.
Quick Facts about Kimberly Fey
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kimberly Jean Fey |
| Known As | Kim Fern |
| Born | June 7, 1973, in DeKalb County, Illinois |
| Died | April 20, 2014, in Portland, Oregon |
| Spouse | Matthew Rhoads (married 2011) |
| Education | Naperville Central High School (1991); BA from Illinois State University |
| Profession | Teacher, Zine Publisher, Musician, Non-Profit Founder |
| Known For | Publishing Fern zine, singing in Eleventh Hour Confession, founding North Portland Bike Works |
| Legacy | Pioneering Women and Trans Bike Repair Nights; community leadership in Portland’s DIY scene |
Early Life and Education
The Kimberly Fey story begins in Illinois, where she was born on June 7, 1973, to Nancy and the late James Fey . Growing up in the Midwest, she showed early signs of the fierce independence that would define her life.
She graduated from Naperville Central High School in 1991, the same year she would begin her journey into the punk scene . After high school, she pursued higher education at Illinois State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree .
It was during these formative years that Kimberly Fey began exploring the DIY punk culture that would become her life’s foundation. She traveled extensively, immersing herself in the underground music scene and developing the critical consciousness that would fuel her creative and activist work.
The Fern Zine Years
For over 15 years, Kimberly Fey—known in the zine world as Kim Fern—published Fern zine, a deeply personal and politically engaged publication that chronicled her experiences, thoughts, and observations .
Her zines weren’t just self-indulgent diaries. They tackled complex issues with honesty and courage. In one issue, Sandino Vive, written in June 2000, she documented her experiences teaching in Nicaragua . The zine featured stories about Carmen, a Sandinista teacher who shared her revolutionary songs, and explored the sustainability of the punk lifestyle .
Kimberly Fey used her zine to ask difficult questions about growing older in the punk community. She wrote about the tendency of many people to abandon activism as they aged, challenging readers to consider what it truly meant to live by punk values throughout life .
Her writing style was intimate and unflinching. She explored “punk rock love” and the messy intersections between personal relationships and political convictions . This willingness to be vulnerable made her zine resonate deeply with readers across the country.
Music and Touring
Kimberly Fey was also a musician at heart. She sang in ELEVENTH HOUR CONFESSION and other bands, channeling her passion and anger into powerful performances .
Like many in the punk scene, she toured extensively, traveling across the country and forming connections that would last a lifetime. Her experiences on the road shaped her understanding of community and solidarity, teaching her lessons she would later apply to her community organizing work in Portland.
The music was never just about fame or money. For Kimberly Fey, it was about connection, expression, and building networks of mutual support. She embodied the DIY punk ethos, demonstrating that art could be both personally fulfilling and politically transformative.
The Teaching Years
In a move that surprised some but made perfect sense to her, Kimberly Fey became a teacher. She went to school, earned her credentials, and entered the classroom, determined to make a difference in young people’s lives .
However, she eventually found the traditional education system unsatisfying. Rather than accepting a life that didn’t fulfill her, she made the courageous decision to leave teaching behind . This willingness to walk away from security in pursuit of meaning would become a recurring theme in her life.
Kimberly Fey understood that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is admit when something isn’t working and chart a new course. Her career change wasn’t a failure—it was a conscious choice to prioritize authenticity over comfort.
North Portland Bike Works: A Vision Realized
In 2002, Kimberly Fey co-founded North Portland Bike Works, a non-profit, collectively run bike shop on Mississippi Street in Portland . This wasn’t just a business—it was a community institution built on punk principles of mutual aid and empowerment.
The shop provided information, resources, and programs to the community . But what made it truly revolutionary was its focus on inclusion. Kimberly Fey and her co-founders established Women and Trans Bike Repair Nights, a free workshop that provided a safe and supportive environment for learning bicycle maintenance .
This program was the only one of its kind in the nation . It grew entirely through word of mouth and taught hundreds of people the skills to work on their bikes . For a community that had often been excluded from male-dominated bike spaces, this was transformative.
Kimberly Fey understood that empowerment meant giving people tools—both literally and metaphorically. By teaching people to fix their own bikes, she helped them gain independence and confidence.
Community Leadership and Business Wisdom
As North Portland Bike Works grew, Kimberly Fey found herself navigating the complexities of running a non-profit organization. She became one of the first people in her community to buy a house, learning the struggles that came with homeownership and Portland’s changing dynamics .
More importantly, she became a mentor to other punks navigating the business world. She advised others on the intricacies of being a good boss and business owner, helping them translate punk values into sustainable practices .
She helped her community transition from being outsiders to community leaders, showing that it was possible to maintain punk integrity while taking on responsibilities . Her guidance helped countless others find their path.
Personal Life and Family
Kimberly Fey married the love of her life, Matthew Rhoads, in 2011 . Their relationship was a source of joy and stability during some of her most challenging years.
She was a devoted daughter to her mother, Nancy, and a loving sister to Mandy . Her family was central to her life, providing the foundation that allowed her to pursue her ambitious projects.
A Life-Altering Diagnosis
About six years before her passing, Kimberly Fey was diagnosed with melanoma . The cancer went into remission but returned about six months before her death .
Rather than allowing the diagnosis to defeat her spirit, she embraced life with renewed intensity. Her zest for life grew stronger . She lived every moment fully, refusing to let fear or despair rob her of joy.
Kimberly Fey taught her community how to live and how to die . She faced her mortality with the same courage and determination she brought to everything else, leaving behind an example of grace under pressure that continues to inspire.
The Legacy of Kimberly Fey
When Kimberly Fey passed away on April 20, 2014, surrounded by her husband, family, and best friend, the Portland community lost one of its brightest lights . She was just 40 years old .
But her legacy lives on. North Portland Bike Works continues to serve the community she loved . The Women and Trans Bike Repair Nights she pioneered remain a model for inclusive community spaces.
Kimberly Fey was remembered as “well loved, respected, and complicated” . She had the courage to speak up and stand up to judgment without letting it derail her . She remained present, strong, with an open heart and incredible spirit .
Her contributions to Portland’s DIY community were about more than just bikes or zines. She showed that alternative ways of living were possible. She demonstrated that punk values could translate into community leadership. She proved that one person could make a real difference.
Interesting Facts about Kimberly Fey
- She was a pioneer in many “firsts” – One of the first in her community to buy a house and navigate the challenges of homeownership
- She published Fern zine for at least 15 years – Her writing touched on topics from Nicaraguan revolution to punk rock love
- She was an avid traveler – She loved exploring new places and cultures
- She enjoyed surfing and golf – Her interests extended far beyond the punk scene
- She co-founded a nationally unique program – The Women and Trans Bike Repair Nights at North Portland Bike Works were the only program of their kind in the United States
- She was a teacher before becoming a community organizer – She left the profession because it was unsatisfying, showing her commitment to authentic living
- She married in 2011 – She found love with Matthew Rhoads, who was with her until the end
Conclusion
The story of Kimberly Fey is ultimately a story about living with purpose. Whether she was publishing a zine, singing in a band, teaching in a classroom, or building a community bike shop, she approached everything with conviction and courage.
She showed that punk wasn’t about rebellion for its own sake—it was about building alternatives. It was about creating spaces where everyone felt welcome. It was about being brave enough to live authentically, even when that meant leaving security behind.
Kimberly Fey taught her community how to live and how to die with grace . Her radiant smile, laughter, and zest for life are remembered by everyone who knew her . And her legacy—in the form of North Portland Bike Works, the Fern zine archives, and the countless individuals she inspired—ensures she will never be forgotten.
She changed Portland, one bike repair at a time, one zine page at a time, one act of courage at a time. And that is a legacy worth celebrating.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kimberly Fey
Who was Kimberly Fey?
Kimberly Fey, also known as Kim Fern, was a punk musician, zine publisher, teacher, and community organizer who co-founded North Portland Bike Works in 2002. She was known for her courage, leadership, and commitment to building inclusive community spaces .
What is Kimberly Fey known for?
Kimberly Fey is best known for publishing Fern zine for over 15 years, singing in Eleventh Hour Confession and other bands, and co-founding North Portland Bike Works, a non-profit community bike shop that pioneered Women and Trans Bike Repair Nights .
When did Kimberly Fey pass away?
Kimberly Fey passed away on April 20, 2014, at the age of 40, after a battle with melanoma .
What was North Portland Bike Works?
North Portland Bike Works was a non-profit, collectively run bike shop founded by Kimberly Fey and friends in 2002. It provided community programs, including the nationally unique Women and Trans Bike Repair Nights, which taught hundreds of people bike maintenance skills .
How did Kimberly Fey contribute to the punk community?
Kimberly Fey contributed to the punk community through her zines, music, and community organizing. She was a mentor to other punks navigating business and leadership roles, and she demonstrated how punk values could be applied to sustainable community work .
What was the Fern zine about?
Fern zine was Kimberly Fey’s personal publication that explored topics including her teaching experiences in Nicaragua, the sustainability of punk lifestyle, “punk rock love,” and her personal journey. It was known for its honesty and willingness to tackle complex issues .
