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Kris Gilliss
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Kristin “Kris” Gilliss, age 52, of New Rockford, ND, went peacefully on to her eternal home on Monday, November 2, 2015, after a courageous sixteen year battle with cancer.
Kristin was born on February 13, 1963, in Warren, MN, to Rev. Leslie and Eunice Wassberg. Kristin graduated high school from Fargo North and continued her education through North Dakota State University. Kristin had a profound love for horses and spent a majority of her youth reading horse novels when she wasn’t with her horse, Buddy.
Kristin married Douglas Gilliss on December 24, 1987, and together they had three beautiful children, a daughter, Alexandra, two sons, Shane and Seth. They spent many years together on the family ranch; which was her favorite place to be. Kristin's pride and joy were her children. She was very proud of all their accomplishments and always encouraged them to work hard towards their dreams. Kristin's strength was extraordinary, and was exemplified by meeting her goals and being able to attend all of her children's high school graduations. She will be missed immensely by her family and friends.
Kristin is survived by her husband Doug; daughter Alexandra (Matthew) Lund, two sons Shane and Seth (Shania Murphy) Gilliss; one brother, Steve (Brenda) Wassberg, her two sisters, Linda (Dwight) Ness, and Karen (Jack) Lind; her parents Rev. Leslie and Eunice Wassberg; three sisters-in-law Vicky (Paul) Walker, Barb (Roger) Caine and Roselyn Watson; two brothers-in-law Buster (Pat) Gilliss and Bruce (Renae) Gilliss; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
PRAYER SERVICE: Friday (Nov 6th) at 7:00PM in First Lutheran Church FUNERAL SERVICE: First Lutheran Church, New Rockford, ND DATE AND TIME: Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 2:00PM BURIAL: Prairie Home Cemetery, New Rockford. |
Posted Condolences:
(Scroll down to send a condolence)
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Name: Jeff & Wanda Watson
Date: 11-14-15
Message: Doug and family - we are so very sorry for your loss. Kris was a wonderful, and beautiful person inside and out. What a courageous battle she fought, and strength she had to fight through and make sure she and her family could see and feel her meaningful presence at important family events over the years - regardless of how challenging it likely was - She succeeded! This picture of Kris is absolutely Gorgeous and who she truly was. She will be missed terribly - but we are confident that that you will find comfort knowing she is in God's hands - resting in peace and comfort and always with you in spirit. Great job to you Doug, Alex, Seth, and Shane for taking such remarkable care of her during this long battle. You did an incredible job, and should be proud! We wish you all many blessings - Take Care and find comfort in her peace.
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Name: Lyn Hanson Rivera
Date: 110915
Message: Not even sure where to start, but the loss of Kris is beyond what words I can say. But, knowing she is now done with the pain, it does make it easier. Kris was one of the coolest, most calm, well rounded persons I knew let alone family members in our large tribe of Bagleys. Even when we were little, she just had this calmness about her that I loved. I have so many just plain good memories of her, and I know in my heart that she will live on in her children and watch over her entire family.
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Name: Karen Riggin
Date: November 9, 2015
Message: Doug, Alex, Shane, Seth & family: My heart is heavy to learn of Kris' passing. I worked with her years ago at Ramsey Bank and she always amazed me. I remember taking Christmas pictures at the bank of the 3 beautiful children. Seems like yesterday. Always looked for her during the Lake Region Relay for Life and we would walk in the survivor's lap together a lot of times. God bless Kris and her family.
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Name: Julie Sharbono
Date: 11-07-2015
Message: So sorry to hear of Kris passing. I took her to MN a lot in the summers when my kids drag raced in Sabin, would drop her off at her parents house for the weekend. Worked with her at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepard. She was very proud of her family and Seth would come with a lot to see his Grandparents. I enjoyed her company then and her stories of her horse adventures and her days when her and Doug fell in love! She was the sweetest friend I ever had, will miss her and her ever kind smiles. Will see you again someday Kris, rest in peace and free of pain, your friend forever, Julie
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Name: Julie Seil
Date: 11/07/2015
Message: I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Kris. I got to know her when I worked at LHGS. She was a kind and soft spoken person, who always had a smile for everyone! She would patiently answer my questions, as I was a new Director of Nursing at the time. She was so proud of her family and also of the work that she did. Heaven gained a true angel. My thoughts and prayers to all of you during this difficult time.
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Name: Julie Kay Anderson
Date: 11/06/15
Message: Kris and I were childhood friends in Fargo. Kris loved to laugh and do silly things like change the lyrics of Carpenters songs, create model horse kingdoms, and tunnel into the church parking lot snow that had been piled into a massive mountain behind the parsonage. While I was petrified of a cave-in, Kris was fearless, wanting to dig deeper, stay out longer, gently encouraging me by her good-natured teasing. No matter what game or scheme I wanted to try, she agreed to go along. She always had my back, and she always knew what to say to me to make me braver. I hope she could say that I was a positive force in her life. I know she is in mine. I truly loved her like a sister.
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Name: Joanna Morken
Date: 11/6/15
Message: I spent many hours with Kris as a child playing with model horses and our imagination to create a life filled with fresh air, big sky and long trail rides, a life that Kris went on to live. We kept in touch over the years even though we lived miles apart and we re-connected in person several years ago in my Dad's home town of Pekin during Pekin days. She was an incredible woman and I wish her and her family blessed peace.
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Name: Mary Wickie Smith
Date: November 6,2015
Message: I am so very sorry to learn of this news. I remember Kris as the little sister of my dear friend Linda. I just wanted to send my deepest sympathies to all the Wassberg Family at this most difficult time.
Love and hugs, Mary Wickie Smith
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Name: Archie/Marveen Gilliss
Date: 11-6-2015
Message: Doug and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Kris's passing. Sending our sympathy and prayers. You've raised great kids. She will always be with you all. I wish we could be there, but out of the state. Know that we will be thinking of you Saturday. Arch & Marveen
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Name: Brenda Von Kaenel
Date: 11/6/15
Message: Thinking back to my family's visit to North Dakota when I was a child... I was happy to escape my two younger brothers for awhile to hang out with Kris in her room with her amazing collection of model horses. I was in awe of my pretty older cousin back then and really appreciated her kindness toward me in my painfully shy stage. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends as they grieve her loss. Love from Colorado, Brenda, Mike, Alex and Ryan
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Name: Neil Whitmer
Date: 11-5-15
Message: So sorry to hear that Kris passed. I have been in awe of her strength in her fight. Ride those horses, you are at peace now. Prayers for the family, stay strong.
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Name: Jill
Date: 11/5/2015
Message: Beautiful and sweet Kris will be missed. She was an amazing, strong and kind woman. She loved her family deeply. God bless Kris and her family.
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Name: Lori Frith
Date: 11/5/15
Message: I was taken aback when I opened up my newspaper today and found Kris's obituary. Although I have never met this amazing woman in person, we have had a "telephone friendship" for many many years as our lives crossed paths during her employment at LHGS and also in the years following when she was no longer able to work outside the home. Her photo shows me she was just as beautiful on the outside as she was as I knew her from the inside. She touched my life, and I will miss her tender voice on the other end of the line. Always know how much she loved her family. There wasn't a conversation that did not include her pride in all of you. My thoughts are prayers are with you all.
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Name: Jeff Bass
Date: 11/4/15
Message: My condolences to all family and friends. I have very fond memories of my friendship with Bruce, Doug, and Buster. My best to all of you in this difficult time.
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Name: Dori
Date: November 4, 2015
Message: Very saddened to hear of this yesterday. Kris fought the tough battle for a long time. The unfairness of it all baffles me. She wanted nothing more than to take care of her kids, did a fine job of that, but then had her own struggle. She very much loved her family, which was very evident. I will never forget her happily telling us when she was expecting Seth. She was having car problems, and we picked her up on the way back from Devils Lake, which was only a treat for us. Also got to enjoy a trip with her when picking up Alex and Steph at basketball camp in Grand Forks. Good memories for all of us!
This picture of Kris is absolutely gorgeous, as she was! Our consolation is that she is resting in peace and no longer fighting that battle. The reason why she was chosen for this escapes me, but as a mother, I know that she would have wanted Alex, Shane, and Seth to go on and know that part of her is always with you. Take care, all of you, and Doug. She will be missed!