In Loving Memory of Kristin “Kris” Amundson
May 8, 1950 – August 30, 2025

Kristin “Kris” Amundson passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, surrounded by love and care, knowing deeply how cherished she was by her family and friends.

Kris was born in Madison, Wisconsin, on May 8, 1950, one of two adopted children of Esther and Carl Amundson. In the 1950s, the family moved west to Long Beach, California. Following the painful loss of her father to cancer in 1958, her mother, Esther, stepped up to support the family by teaching fourth grade.

In the late 1970s, Kris found her way north to Humboldt County, setting down roots in Westhaven. She later lived in Arcata for a time before buying her home in McKinleyville in 1990. Throughout her life, Kris put her sharp mind to work doing clerical support across the area, including roles at Humboldt State University in the records department, Dancing Dragon Designs, and Mad River Hospital. Following her heart, she spent five years living in Westport, Washington, before returning home to McKinleyville in April 2022.

Those who really knew Kris knew her to be a remarkably generous person. She possessed a signature sardonic sense of humor and could—quite frankly—talk endlessly, bringing color, wit, and lively banter to every conversation. Though she is gone from our sight, Kris’s laughter, generosity, and love remain woven into the lives of all who knew her.

A woman of many creative passions, Kris had an excellent eye for beauty and detail which she used for design into her business, Kristin’s Kitchen Designs, as well as endless craft projects. She was a talent in the kitchen, making a phenomenal cup of coffee, baking traditional Norwegian sandbakkels, and mixing up all kinds of wonderful culinary concoctions. Her love for animals was legendary—not only did she bake excellent homemade biscuits for the many dogs in her life, but she showered her own pets with devotion. Many will fondly remember her beloved dogs Saaz and Weber, as well as Saaz’s best friend, Lois. Outside, Kris found comfort in the earth, taking great pride in her garden—especially her prized garlic crop.

Upon her return to California in 2022, Kris was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. The progression of the disease presented a difficult journey for both Kris and the devoted friends and caregivers who walked alongside her. In January 2025, she moved to Frye’s Care Home in Eureka, where she received attentive, gentle care in her final months. 

Kris is survived by her brother, Jack Amundson, and his wife, Lorna; her cousin, Mary Powell; as well as many dear friends who will forever miss her sharp wit, long talks, and endless generosity.

Celebration of Life & Gathering

A gathering to honor Kris, scatter her ashes, and celebrate her life will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at Moonstone Beach in Westhaven. Friends and family are invited to gather by the ocean to reflect, remember, and share their favorite stories of Kris. If you have a memory to tell or a laugh to share, please bring it with you as together we celebrate a vibrant life, generously lived and deeply loved.

Those wishing to learn more about Lewy Body Dementia or to support research, education, and family resources are encouraged to visit the Lewy Body Dementia Association at https://www.lbda.org and the Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center at https://lewybodyresourcecenter.org.

Contact: Julie Froblom jfroblom@suddenlink.net 707-845-4097