Kristin Christenson

Stoughton- Kristin Mary "Kris" Christenson, 71, of Stoughton passed away surrounded by loved ones on September 23, 2015 at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison. She was born in Edgerton, to the late Don and Harriet Hillestad. She graduated from Milton High School and Methodist School of Nursing where she received her RN license. In 1965 she married Steve Christenson; she was the love of his life for the last 50 years. Kris was an outstanding nurse. After graduating college, she received the Madison Business Women's Club award for "Young Career Woman of the Year." She started a group for cancer patients called "I Can Cope" while working at Stoughton Hospital and was the first recipient of the "Nurse Excellence" award from the rural Wisconsin Hospital Cooperative. Her contact with coworkers and patients was always a valuable part of her life. Kris was a quiet leader who modeled the way for others through her servant's heart. She loved singing, playing the organ and piano, spending endless hours with her beloved grandchildren, traveling with Steve and friends, swimming and exercising with her girlfriends, working in her flower garden, antiquing, playing cards with friends, and giggling with her daughters. Kris was a gentle spirit who touched the lives of many. She loved unconditionally and knew how to forgive. She was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church where she sang for many years in the choir and part of the Elizabeth Circle. Many other civic and community activities were important to her such as the Entre Nous Club, PEO Stoughton Chapter DG, and POSH (Partners of Stoughton Hospital). When her girls were young she served as a troop leader and community chairman of the Girl Scouts. In the past she also served on the Stoughton Mural committee, the Friends of Norwegian Culture group, and was honored to serve as Syttende Mai Queen in 2008. Kris is survived by her husband, Steve; two sisters, Karen (Dayton) Jones of Madison and Martha Johnson of Janesville; three daughters: Anne (Mike) Hall of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Laura Arrigo of Palm Bay, Florida; and Susan (Jason) Model of Stoughton. In addition, six grandsons, two granddaughters, and one great-granddaughter will miss her immensely. Kris also leaves behind many friends and extended family who will miss her kindness and humble heart. Funeral services will be held at 4:00pm on Sunday, September 27, 2015, at Christ Lutheran Church, 700 County Road B, Stoughton, with Pastor Paula Geister-Jones officiating. Friends and relatives are invited to a dinner reception immediately following the services. Private burial will take place in Eastside Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM until the time of services Sunday at church. Memorials may be made to the Christ Lutheran Church Music Program or the PEO Scholarship Fund. Please share your memories.
Cress Funeral Service
206 W. Prospect Street
Stoughton, WI 53589
(608) 873-9244