KRISTINA ANN COLOMBO

Kristina Ann Colombo:  Kristi was born in the Winton Hospital on August 25, 1967. We had been told that Kris was the last birth in that facility before it was closed. After a life-long battle with mental illness, Kris succumbed to the oppressive complications of Frontotemporal Dementia. Kris spent much of her academic life in Special Education classes and worked with diligence to accomplish even the simplest of life’s daily functions. She excelled at swimming, skiing and bowling, and her desire to compete opened our eyes to the importance of the Special Olympics programs for handicapped and special-needs people. Sports and competition gave Kris a sense of purpose, of belonging to a group, a sisterhood of like competitors. She was proud of her wall full of medals. Special Olympics is an organization that needs our support.  Bless them all.

Kris enjoyed the Ely 4th of July. She loved the parade, and she enjoyed the fireworks. How ironic it was that Kris passed on the 4th of July at St. Mary’s Hospital surrounded by her mother and sister during the Duluth fireworks.

We learned so much from Kris. For the whole of her life, you taught us the power of intangible assets that came naturally to you. Honesty, integrity, compassion, love, respect, caring, and giving to those in need; these were your strengths and we were witness to the satisfaction it gave you. In return, you asked for nothing. We witnessed your defiance when you were told not to try something; you wouldn’t have it, you insisted on trying, and more often than not, you would do well. Your insistence to try became a hallmark that stayed with you to the end.

Kristie was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Evie and Tony Klun of Ely and her Paternal grandmother Marion Colombo, also of Ely. She is survived by her mother, Kathy Grivette of Ely, Father Robert (Rosalia) Colombo of Ouro Preto, Brazil, stepfather, Bob Grivette of Ely, sister Melissa Colombo, niece Hannah and nephew Hayden, all of Wisconsin and half-sister Brittney (Colombo) Corbin of Durango, Colorado; aunts and uncles: Nancy (Klun) and Mike McKeon of Duluth, Terry (Tammy) Klun of Duluth, Toni (Klun) and Paul Coughlin of Lake Vermilion, Steve Klun of Cloquet, MN, Carolyn (Colombo) and Kent Halberg of Superior, WI. And Kristie’s life-long special friend, Linda (Kangas) DeBeltz of Ely. To the numerous nieces and nephews that enrich our family, we thank you for your prayers and kind remembrances. 

As Kristie’s health deteriorated, she passed through two assisted living facilities in Duluth and the staff at these facilities were stellar in their kindness and caring of Kristie. Special thanks to Mike Thompson and his staff at the DRCC Danials House in Duluth and also to Angi, Barb, Abri, and Rachael at the DRCC Rockridge House in Duluth.  You excelled at making Kristie feel loved and unafraid. And a very special thank you to her guardian Brian Smith. Near the end, it was the skilled and competent Hospice teams that took Kris to her end of life. When she passed, Kris was surrounded by her mother and sister. She’s free now, she’s back with family that have gone on before her. No more pain, no more confusion, no more disappointment. I know you will share your love with those you’ve met, and you’ll be pleased with knowing that you can be whatever you want to be. You, my dear daughter, deserve the gifts of your Savior more than anyone I know.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, July 21 at 1 p.m. at Kerntz Funeral Home. Luncheon following at Grand Ely Lodge.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home.

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