Gail L. Carlson (Woods)

Kristi and I remained close friends to the end of her life, even though we didn't see each other as often as we would have liked; she moved to Eagan in the early 1990s.  I still miss her terribly, especially as we approach our 50th HS reunion.  I would like to take this opportunity to brag a little bit --  to let everyone know that Kristi resumed her education in the mid 70s and created a significant career in education.  As one of the founders of the Tesseract School in Eagan, she first worked as the Director and susequently in another position before moving to St. Paul Public Schools.  There she worked at a collaboration with Minneapolis Schools called the Richard R. Greene Institute, and also as Staff Development Coordinator for St. Paul Schools.  

Kristi's mother is still living (independently, I believe) at age 91. It's been my pleasure to become reacquainted with Kristi's talented daughter Jennifer who supplied some of the details and titles of her mother's career.  Kristi's ashes are buried alongside her grandparents in a Minneapolis cemetery.  

One of the things that brought Kristi the most joy in life was actively sharing the lives of her (then) two small grandchildren, Rachel and Zach.  In fact, the last night they all spent together was Rachel's first day of Kindergarten.  Today Jach attends the University of St. Thomas and Rachel attends the U of Minnesota.  Kristi was a warm, involved grandmother.

Kristi is remembered with fondness by my entire family who grew to love her while we were in high school, and then renewed friendships while she worked as secretary at Red Oak Elementary School where my children attended and my mother substitute taught for years.

Carol Ann Johnson (Nelson)

Thank you Gail - a wonderful tribute.  I did not know Kristi that well in school but remember spending a lot of tiime with her on the day of one of our reunions.  She was fun and energetic .

Janice C. Horton (Plessas)

Thank you for sharing your memories of Kristi. I did not know Kristi well, but I remember her smile and good nature. 

Kristin M. Stavnes (Traughber)

What a nice commentary.......  I remember Kristi as bubbly and fun.  Now I have a more complete picture through your words.  Thanks for sharing.

Betty L. Holden (Swan-DeLong)

Gail, thank you so much for writing your tribute to Kristi.  I now feel as if I knew her more than just to say 'Hi'. She truly lead an admirable life and I'm grateful to you for letting us all know about her and her accomplishments.

Jim W. Stork

Gail,

What wonderful things to say about Kristi. Thanks. Kristi was Senior Editor on the yearbook and, of course, I got to know her quite well. I loved her real intelligence and her, at times dry, sense of humor. I miss her.

Jim

Gail L. Carlson (Woods)

Jim~
I also miss Kristi.  I attended out last reunion alone....and it was lonely without her; we had attened all the previous reunions together.  We even dressed together at my house like we were still school-girls. I'll never forget when YOU surprised us in the MVHS library at one of the reunions...can't recall which one.  My husband is ill and won't be attending the 50th (not that I think  it would be fun trying to remember names AND making introductions).  I've enjoyed new connections with some classmates via facebook and through the reunion website!  I'm certainly confident enough to attend alone, and look forward to reconnecting with my other friends -- but I will miss Kristi all over again in August.  
Gail

ps  I will continue to search for a great picture I have of you and Kristi!

Gary K. Rolli

I remember Kristi because her and I use flirt with each other and we ended up getting most flirtatious in the year book. I think we both helped keep the opposite sex in line as far as making them feel good about themselves. People for some reason just don't think very highly of themselves when in reality they are as good as anybody. Kristi and I enjoyed life and we tried to pass it on to all we met.