Obituary of Kristin Lorea Holm

Kris Holm died peacefully on April 11, 2024, of end-stage lung cancer, which never dimmed her adventurous, generous, and fun-loving spirit. Kris’s energy lit up any room she was in, which was usually filled with her large, loving circle of friends.

Kris or “Sissy” was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Shannon Griest, who passed away on October 26, 2023; mother and stepfather, Sheri and Don Schoeller; father, Peter Holm; stepbrother, Rob Schoeller; and grandparents, Thelma and George Stenseth. She is survived by sister, Robin Heller (Tom Dawson); brother Randy Holm (Jeff Brown); stepbrother Dan Schoeller (Shelly), and loving nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles. 

In high school, Kris’s empathetic nature and care for others led her to work as a nursing assistant. After graduating from Tartan High School (Oakdale, MN) in 1988 she began her lifelong career in nursing. She graduated from Century College in 2002 and became a registered nurse. Kris was an outstanding nurse: thoughtful, warm, intelligent, and kind, and her delightful sense of humor never failed to comfort those in her care. During her thirty-plus years of nursing, she worked at Twin Cities Orthopedics, Lakeview Hospital, and United Hospital. She was a dog lover and mom to two wonderful senior rescue dogs.

An avid traveler, Kris loved exploring new places. Her journeys sent her far and wide, including a nursing tour of China, and trips to Africa, Mexico, Hawaii, Grand Cayman, and much more. In 2023, she shed her belongings and set off on “Sissy’s Big Adventure,” where she was working to start a brand-new life in Southern California. 

Kris was always at the center of a large circle of friends including a special sisterhood she loved and adored. Her motto was “Be kind, everyone has a story.” When she became ill, she returned to Minnesota to be comforted by the warmth and support of her friends and loved ones. A special thank you to Aunt Tanya and Uncle Pat Vasquez who opened their loving arms and home to Kris to ease her final passage–her trip of a lifetime.

A private celebration to honor Kris’s life will be held later this spring. Kris’s legacy is the love, support, and connections she made with all who had the pleasure and honor of knowing and loving her. She was also the funniest person she knew. She will be greatly missed.