Kirsten Margaret Baxter

Kirsten Margaret Baxter

Kirsten Margaret Baxter

Kirsten Margaret Baxter (age 50), of Friendship, Wisconsin, passed away at home on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, peacefully, but unexpectedly.

Visitation was on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arkdale, Wisconsin, followed by private family services conducted by Rev. Terri Skilldum. Interment will be at Quincy Township Cemetery. To view the service please click here.

Kirsten was born February 14, 1971, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the only child of John and Margaret (Alfstad) Stake. John had served three years in the U.S. Army and was in his final year of seminary studies at Luther Seminary when Kirsten was born. The family served a parish in Scottsdale, Arizona, until 1974. The American Lutheran Church called the Stakes back into the army in 1975, where John served for the next 27 years as a Chaplain, Margaret as an Army Wife, and Kirsten as a proud “Army Brat.” Kirsten was a baptized child of God, sealed with the Holy Spirit, and marked with the cross of Christ Jesus forever.

Travel and separation, relocations and uprooting, and stress and uncertainty were balanced by the adventure of movement and discovery of new places and people.

Kirsten grew into a beautiful and intelligent woman, and following her mother’s example, became an accomplished secretary, executive assistant, skilled computer-savvy employee, and customer service representative. Her jobs were sometimes curtailed by the nature of her family’s relocations, but she always found meaningful volunteer work from being a hospital “Candy Striper” in New Jersey, to a valued library worker at the Chaplain School in New Jersey and at our own Adams County Library in Wisconsin. Quips from one employee evaluation note, Kirsten “stands out as one of our best workers and team builders. I recommend her without hesitation.”

Making friends by being a friend endeared her to many. Kirsten married at the turn of the 21st Century, and had her only child, Ryan Baxter, in New Jersey. She had a sound faith, clear moral principles, and a patriotic heart. She moved to the Stake family retirement home near Castle Rock Lake with her son Ryan and parents in 2002, when her father retired from the U.S. Army after 30 years of service.

Kirsten was preceded in death by her mother Margaret Stake, and grandparents Anna and Arnot Alfstad, and Vernon and Shirley Stake.

Kirsten is survived by her son Ryan Baxter, father John Stake, aunt Barbara Baker, and aunt Susan and uncle John Pilshaw; and cousins Loni (& daughter Jessica) Bach, Kel (Sheila) Pilshaw; Erik Baker, Jeffrey (Dean) Baker, Rob (Janie) Baker & Baker children Ema, Austin (Alyson), Chase, Marissa (Ben) & baby Harper Oakes; and other friends and relatives. Ryan’s father Raymond Baxter and his parents John and Ellen Baxter and their family also mourn Kirsten’s passing. Kirsten will be truly missed.

Roseberry’s Funeral is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberry’s.com for online condolences and further information.

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Condolences

  1. Cathy Rathermel says:

    I am deeply sorry to hear this sad news. Heaven has gained a sweet souled angel. Thinking of her family and sendings God’s peace. God bless Ryan and John.

  2. Dorothy Gerke says:

    Dear Pastor John and Ryan…..my heart goes out to you. I am Daryl. Swiatly’s aunt….thzt is when I met her and she and I were going to go have coffee together….and that had not yet happened so we were face book friends. She was such a beautiful lady…..love and warm thoughts to you.
    Sincerely, Dorothy Gerke

  3. Joe Bruzzese says:

    My condolences to you, Pastor John and Ryan, and the rest of your family. I will never forget Kirsten in confirmation classes at Zion Lutheran Church in Staten Island, New York.

  4. Richard Moran says:

    Wow! I am very sad to here about Kirsten and those who loved her .
    I only knew her by going thru her line at County Market and all the brief conversations we had we became buds. I wish I knew of her visitation / wake but I pay my respect to Our Lord Jesus Christ to place His loving arms around her and escort her to her heavenly place .

  5. April Roller says:

    My thoughts are with you.

  6. Rick and Brianna Carlson says:

    Our condolences Pastor and Ryan

  7. Paul Oyen says:

    I am so sorry for your untimely loss.
    I will be praying for each of you in the days and weeks ahead.

  8. Janae & Jared Scott says:

    Dearest family,
    We are so sorry to hear about Kirsten’s passing. She sounds like she was an amazing wife, mother, daughter, and friend. May those sweet recollections of her bring you strenght and comfort in your season of grief. Our deepest condolences and prayers.

  9. Glenn Sandbeck says:

    I am so very sorry to hear of kirsten’s passing. I know she is with the Lord but she will be missed. God bless and strengthen John and Ryan during this difficult time.

  10. Philothea Bezin says:

    I send my condolences to our dear friend John and much loved Ryan and to all those who knew and loved Kirsten and struggled with her along life’s way. I pray that she is peaceful in God’s arms now.

  11. Sonja McLaughlin says:

    My deepest sympathy! So sorry to hear about Kirsten, my prayers are with all of you during this difficult time!

  12. Peggy Shearman says:

    I am so sorry for your loss John and Ryan. May your precious memories sustain you through this difficult time. May the comfort of Our God fill your hearts at this time! You are in my thoughts and prayers! Love Peggy!

  13. Annie and Greg Erdmann says:

    We are so sorry for your loss . Your family is in our thoughts and prayers

  14. Chuck and Barb Dehmlow says:

    Sending our deepest condolences to the Stake family during this difficult time.

  15. Ed Heideman says:

    God Bless you Ryan and John for your loss of Kristen. I only recently got to know Kristen. She was a lovely lady and fun to talk with.
    🙏

  16. Pat Holm Jodarski says:

    Tue sday I will check the lottery ticket you sold me with the promise to share it…. may not be a winner but just knowing you this short tome was.

  17. Ray and Cheri Witz says:

    Our prayers are with you John and Ryan, our deepest sympathies for you loss.

  18. Lindsay Stallcup says:

    I’ll miss seeing you at the store you were amazing n I’ll miss our talks God bless the family and prayers

  19. john wilkinson says:

    John and Ryan I am sorry for your loss,may your hearts be hands of Christ at this time

  20. Elli Sparks says:

    We remember Kirsten from Mendham, NJ where she lived with her cousins and aunt and uncle, who were also our dear friends.

    We are so sorry for your loss. May her memory be a blessing to all of us.

    Love,

    The Sparks’ and the Ditchendorf’s

  21. Mary Garay says:

    I am so sorry for lost my prayers are with you and your family

  22. April Witcraft says:

    God bless kirsten’s family & friends, she will be greatly missed by me as well as many others. She was deeply involved with the church, bible, father, God, son, & holy spirit. She loved her family very much. She had some mishaps through-out her life, where her & I met. She struggled with some drinking but over-come that quite a few years ago, and had some consequences from that, but as she overcome her struggles she made & proved to herself & others. She since then made good effort in faith and was a worker at Adam’s county library & volunteered their & practical cents & food pantry and last she was employed at Adam’s county market as cashier. She also took care of her father after her mother passed a few years ago. I am happy to say Kirsten u will be greatly missed by me & I’m greatly happy to say I are my friend & I could even say sister as we’ve had our long talks. I don’t know how to feel right now as I’m in shock, sat Mar 27th, I can’t believe ur gone, I was just talking to you bout cookout on the lake this summer by my camper, I will take care of myself & can’t wait to see u again. I know that ur okay in heaven w/ ur mother. This comes close to me to see that my mom could be gone any day, I hope not but, she could be. So in this I know I need to be happy & blessed for everyday I wake up. I love & will miss u greatly Kirsten. I know ur watching over ur dad & Ryan. I’m sure me to as we had our ups & downs together. Love always & god bless April witcraft

  23. Lisa Cotey says:

    While I am saddened at the death of my dear friend my heart rejoices with the saints in heaven. Another one has come home. My condolences to her family. I remember her sweet smile and her sense of humor and how she was deeply touched when I mentioned to her of my husband son’s passing which was just 5 weeks ago. She always had a sense of loss for anyone. But now our loss is her gain. Till we meet again in the sight of our precious Lord and savior Jesus.

  24. Carrie Kennedy says:

    Sending my condolences

  25. Mary L. Moore says:

    Sincerest condolences and prayer’s go out to Pastor Stake and Ryan and extended family on their loss of Kirsten. I just talked with her last week at the grocery store.

  26. Erin Foley says:

    I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that my thoughts, and the thoughts of all the Library staff who knew Kirsten, are with you and your family during this time.

  27. Scott and Kathy Colburn says:

    Reverend Stake our sincere condolences on the loss of your vibrant daughter. I know that she is in a better place now. May God keep Ryan and yourself in the palm of his hand. On behave of the Adams County Honor Guard we wish to also extend our heart felt condolences to you and Ryan.

  28. Maila Kuhn says:

    With the death of ones child or ones parent , part of ones heart experiences it too. yet Gods healing Spirit will make it whole again!

  29. Dennis Falk & Peggy Falk says:

    John, our prayers are with your daughter, yourself, and family. God will bless you in some way!

  30. Loni Pilshaw Bach says:

    We will miss my dear cousin so much. Growing up with Kirsten, we always enjoyed visiting each other at all of the Army bases all over the country, and I always thought of her as a sister. We had many adventures together, including our wonderful memories in New Jersey and at our favorite church camp, Koinonia. We shared so much together and I will miss her terribly. She was so beautiful, smart, talented, and creative. We miss you Kristen.

  31. Sue Wikman says:

    My deepest condolences. My heart hurts for Kirstens father John and Ryan. I was so blessed to know and be her hairstylist for many years. She was one of my most Beautiful clients. I so loved our conversations,it mostly included family, especially her son Ryan and how proud she was of him. She loved talking about the latest styles,Politics,Norwegian heritage, and don’t forget to use the the proper Grammar. Kirsten I hope I used the appropriate words. I also know that she loved being called the Army Brat, Jersey Girl .❤I know God has his arms wrapped around Kirsten and her loving mom Margaret and all is going to be good. I’ll so miss you..💕

  32. Sue and Randy Anderson says:

    So shocked to see the passing of Kirsten. Randy enjoyed their conversations at the check out line. She always had a beautiful smile. May the strength of our Lord help you during this time.

  33. Jeri & Molly Shultis says:

    our hearts and prayers are with you. God bless

  34. Sandra Allen says:

    My condolences for your family. May she rest in peace now.

  35. Susan Pilshaw says:

    We are so saddened by the news of the loss of our beloved niece and cousin. Many vacations were spent together and we were fortunate that she could share her high school experience and even work experience for many years in the same town in New Jersey. Kirsten was a very creative and talented person who could do beautiful counted cross stitch needlework and would give presents to us that she had designed and made. She then began a lot of painted crafts, something she had learned from Margaret, her mother. She was an excellent worker and proofreader and was keeping track of our family genealogy for us. She loved her son Ryan very much and was so proud of his career path and accomplishments. She will be missed in so many ways, but she was, indeed, a person of very strong faith and we will look forward to seeing her again in heaven. Love, Aunt Susan and Uncle John.

  36. Jodi Helgeson says:

    John and family – I’m so sorry to hear of Kristen’s passing. My sympathy to you all.

  37. Barbara Schultz says:

    Pastor John and Ryan, my prayers go out to both of you during this time of loss. She will be missed.

  38. Julie and Bob Goodhue says:

    So sorry for your loss.

  39. Don and Karen Rathke says:

    You shall be missed by so many. Our Deepest Sympathy to your family prayers will be said.

  40. Brenda Pietrowski says:

    I’m sorry for your loss. May she be at peace and our Lord comfort her loved ones.

  41. Sandy Reinke says:

    My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Kirsten. May God Bless the family as they go through this rough period of time.

  42. Sue Moran says:

    So sorry to hear about Kirsten. Sincere condolences to her family. RIP Kirsten.

  43. Mark and Debbie Nevel says:

    We have only known Kirsten for a short time, but she was a remarkable woman. We are very saddened to hear of her passing. Our prayers go out to her father and Ryan.

  44. Natalie Kaehler says:

    Kirsten…you were such a good friend…I’m so very thankful I got the chance to meet you..my condolences to the family. Rest in peace my friend…

  45. Sandra Pheiffer says:

    Oh my. Pastor Stake and Ryan, I am so very shocked and sorry to learn of Kirsten’s passing. I just saw her at the store and always sought out her line. We had the best chats! My mother always thought so much of Kirsten and little Ryan and loved sitting with them in church. That was long ago. How fast time passes and Kirsten’s life was way too short. Please take care of each other. Prayers and love, Sandy Pheiffer

  46. Lloyd Waller says:

    My sincere condolences to Pastor John and Ryan . I had the privilege of having a “breakroom chat” with Kirsten on Saturday evening and was so shocked and saddened to hear this. I can only believe that God had a better plan for her. as he does for all of us.

  47. Jamie Holsten says:

    I am so sorry for your loss. kristen and I were very close. She was my rock. I am going to miss her so much. She had a big heart and never thought or seen anyone lower then her. She was truly an angel. Taken why to soon. Fly high Kristen until we meet again my friend. with lots of love and prayer.

  48. Kathy Marose says:

    Pastor John and Ryan, Our hearts are filled with sadness for you as you grieve, yet we know she will be celebrating the resurrection in her most wonderful new home. May God bless her memory and your family during this difficult time. Please know you have been and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers!
    Ruth and Kathy Marose

  49. Kirk and Leta Gribble Family says:

    I have only recently had the privilege of getting to know Kirsten, but in that short time I had come to admire so much about her. My heart grieves for her loved ones.

  50. Pat Holm Jodarski says:

    Dear Pastor John and Ryan why only God knows and may God who is all knowing bless you and be with you. Please reach out to so many friends who you have helped and want to help in any way we can.

  51. LeeOna Kieren says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Kirsten was a great loving woman and amazing friend. She will be greatly missed but forever remembered.

  52. Sue Roeder says:

    So sorry for your loss. She was a very good friend I will miss her . God bless you all

  53. Curtie and Michelle Pollex says:

    Dear Pastor Stake and Ryan, I am saddened and shocked to see the passing of Kirsten. She really was a kind and sweet person. I’m glad I was able to know her. God knew it must have been her time to be at peace and in his loving arms. 😇 He called her home. ✝️ Please know that y’all are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs and God’s peace~Curtie and Michelle Pollex

  54. Heidi slick says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss.she truly was an amazing women..she will be dearly missed.

  55. Shawna Gruber says:

    So sorry for your loss

  56. Rick Marion Chris Rick Tracy John Uphoff says:

    God bless Ryan and John.