Kris Green

Kris Green, age 49, of Lynd, Minnesota, died unexpectedly on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Memorial Services are 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 24, 2025, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Island Lake Township, Minnesota. Interment will be in the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery followed by a reception for attendees, back at the church. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. The evening will conclude with a Prayer Service at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will then continue one hour prior to her celebration, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Monday, at the church.

Kristen Ruth Green was born on March 21, 1975, in Marshall, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Elmer and Lorraine (Pochardt) Green and grew up between Marshall and Lynd. She was baptized as an infant and confirmed at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Island Lake Township, Minnesota. Kris attended school in Marshall and graduated with the high school class of 1993. She welcomed her daughter, Cassandra, in August of 1998 and, in 2001, she moved to her current residence on the family farm in Island Lake Township.

Kris went back to further her education at Southwest Minnesota State University and graduated with a Psychology Degree, which began a professional career that mirrored her personal passion for helping others. An internship at Boulder Estates in Marshall became a 15-year position where she forged long-lasting personal relationships with her clients, their families and the community. Kris worked with a local group home and mental health facility for the last 10 years, while simultaneously working as office manager for Aquarius Home Services in Marshall since 2018. 

Kris was a strong and courageous woman who always put others first. From her admiration for nature to her boundless empathy, she cared deeply about the world around her and she chose to lead by example with modesty, kindness, and heart. She celebrated the little things in life, finding beauty in everyday experiences and sharing them with others. She valued serenity, compassion, creativity and family throughout her life. Whether she was picking wild crocuses as a child, listening to music and swinging under the stars as a teenager, taking Cassie on trips to Lake Andrew and the North Shore, or watching a prairie sunset from her deck, she loved country life, the wonders of nature, and her family and friends.

While her professional career prioritized others, Kris was often a private soul. In her personal time, some of her favorite activities included hiking at Camden State Park, planting and cultivating her gardens, crocheting, listening to records and discovering new music, running, relaxing with a warm cup of coffee (or 3), and cuddling with a cat (or 3) as she would read a book and escape to new worlds. Her grandchildren were a highlight of recent years. She loved every interaction with them, whether it was an unexpected wakeup call in the early morning or in-person silly time and impromptu dance parties. Her smile, her laugh, her tireless work ethic and dedication to others will be deeply missed, but they will continue to inspire us.

Kris died unexpectedly on Sunday, February 16, 2025, in Marshall, Minnesota, just five weeks shy of her 50th birthday. Blessed be her memory. Celebrate beauty and love in her honor.

Kris is survived by her daughter, Cassie Herberg of Tea, SD; grandchildren, Iris and Leo Gordon of Tea, SD; parents, Elmer & Lorraine Green of Marshall; 3 siblings, Steven (and Cathy) Green of Fargo, ND, Bonnie (and Jason) Will of Dawson, Loren (and Amanda Pruka) Green of Minneapolis; nieces and nephews (Spencer, Georgia, Andrew, Charlie, and Aaron), aunts, uncles, cousins, and beloved friends.

Kris was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, George & Mabel Green, and maternal grandparents, Lawrence & Arlene Pochardt.