Kristen Sturm

Kristen Sturm, 79, of Chippewa Falls, went to be with her Lord Jesus in heaven on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. She was surrounded by family and tenderly cared for by the Lake Hallie Memory Care staff and St. Croix Hospice.

Kristen was born April 25, 1947, in Baldwin, WI, to Eugene “Wesley” and Jean (Huenink) Vrieze.

After graduating from Baldwin High School in 1965, Kristen was accepted into the Minneapolis School of Art but decided to pursue a career in psychology instead. She graduated from UW Stout, earning a master’s degree in school psychology. While attending UW Stout, Kristen met Donald Sturm. They were married in Menomonie on February 2, 1974.

Kristen is survived by her husband, Don; children, Jennifer (Anthony) Beety-Forrest of Washington, DC, Dominic (Erica) Sturm of Stanley, and Ryan (Heidi) Sturm of Chippewa Falls; grandchildren, Chase, Aaron, Lidya, Brody, Coby, and Tate Sturm; siblings, Julie (Curt) Schmidt of St. Paul, MN, Trudy Vrieze (John Jordan) of Duluth, MN, John Vrieze of Baldwin, and Peter Vrieze (Mary Toberman) of New Richmond; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Kristen Sturm will be remembered for her fierce loyalty to her family, her generous heart, and the genuine care she showed to the people around her. Her six grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. She loved reading to them, playing games, and creating the special memories that they will carry with them.

Kristen had a thoughtful, generous nature. She enjoyed shopping with friends, playing cards, and traveling throughout the United States and to many countries around the world, including a memorable visit to the Great Wall of China. Kristen also found great meaning in her work as a school psychologist and assistant principal at Rhinelander High School. She was deeply dedicated to helping students succeed and helping teachers develop strong classroom management skills. Kristen will be remembered not only for the roles she held, but the way she made people feel loved and supported.

Visitation will begin at 2 p.m., Sunday, September 20, at Grace Baptist Church, 11591 17th Ave, Lake Hallie. A celebration of life service will follow at 3 p.m. at the church with Rev. Chris Terry officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to Smile Train, which Kris supported for many years.