Kristine M. Selberg

Kristine Marie Selberg, 62, of Chippewa Falls, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 30th, 2025, in the comfort of her home, wrapped in floral sheets, and surrounded by her loved ones.

She was cared for intimately by family and close friends until her passing.

Kristine was born on December 2, 1962, in Neillsville, Wisconsin to Patrick and Betty (Marg) Plunkett. She was the last of 5 older siblings, with 3 sisters and 2 brothers. She was raised in Chippewa Falls, attending Holy Ghost Catholic grade school, and later moved to Waukon, Iowa following her mother’s remarriage. There, she attended middle and high school, meeting her lifelong best friends, Brenda (Larre) Leiran and Diane (Wayne) Hirth. Kristine graduated from Waukon High School in 1981, and went on to receive her Bachelors in Psychology from UW–La Crosse in 1992. Following this, she received her Masters in School Counseling at UW–Stout in 1996.

Kristine was rare. She had a unique type of creativity that spilled into everything she touched. It was as if she couldn’t help but transform things. Make them her own. She could crochet and sew just about anything, and often designed her own clothes. There was no limit to what she could make, whether that was for herself, fixing up clothes for her son Ryan, or hand making beautifully crafted Halloween costumes for her granddaughter, Sydney. She wasn’t one to just wear clothes– they had to embody her character. Creative, intentional, specific, distinctive. If Kristine liked something, she would buy it. Then, she’d cut it into pieces and add fabrics, laces, velvets, buttons, and patterns. She always found ways to save and repurpose materials for other projects. Her closet was full of things she was either working on, had just completed, or never quite got to. Some of her closet still had tags, and some things were left half-finished — not because she didn’t care, but because she was always inspired. She was the definition of creativity. She loved beads, wallpapers, paint, and yarn like it was treasure. She used it around picture frames, inside drawers, and across cabinets or furniture. Her house was full of little details like that — bits of wallpaper, dashes of color, traces of her imagination tucked into corners. Little bursts of beauty in places most people wouldn’t think to look.

She loved beads. She loved jewelry. She had stacks of tackle boxes full of beads in every color and size. Kris had an incredible eye for fashion and often made her own jewelry. Her style was solely her own. She loved older pieces that felt lived-in and special, and enjoyed thrifting, shopping, and creating. Besides her fashion sense, Kris was also an amazing baker. Her favorite treats to make were cookies with her granddaughter, especially when she could use her grandma Marg’s old recipes. She embraced Sydney like her own child, stepping into the role of “mom” once more to help raise and provide her with a loving, memorable childhood. Kris adored her son Ryan. She and him enjoyed swimming at Pettibone Beach in La Crosse or the Chippewa pool, and taking long rides on bikes or roller blades. She relished days spent outside in the sun, snuggling her granddaughter on their porch hammock, or watching soap operas with her dog, Jack.

Every moment with Kristine felt like a hug. Her kind, intimate, intentional demeanor made her an incredible guidance counselor, working with children from elementary, middle, and high school for her entire career. She naturally exuded care and understanding; it was never something she had to force or pretend. She loved with her full being. She was strong, sensitive, and a little goofy. She made you laugh without meaning to.

In the last two years of her life, she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She took it with grace. Just like with her projects, she lived every moment with intention. Kris experienced a once-in-a-lifetime roadtrip to Yellowstone with Ryan, a trip to California, visited friends in Iowa, and spent precious time with her siblings, son, and granddaughter. She shopped, created, laughed, and kept changing the world around her in her own little ways — always tweaking, always refining. Her specific nature didn't stop at clothes, but spread to the lives of everyone who was lucky enough to love her. Kris grew in her already established faith with Jesus, embracing the peace of God in such a tumultuous time. She welcomed the changes brought on by her diagnosis, and allowed it to change her life, and relationships, for the better.

Kristine passed away peacefully in her home, with clean sheets and soft blankets and touches of makeup done by her granddaughter. She listened to her favorite songs with her family, and her soulmate, Jack, by her side. If she could see this obituary, she’d probably say it was a little much — and then suggest adding a lace trim, a few pearls, and a sprinkle of glitter.

Kristine is survived by her son, Ryan Selberg and granddaughter Sydney Ward; siblings, Bethany Ann (Larry) Ketchum, Jean Carol (Joe) Bernier, Brian Shane (Robin) Plunkett, and Karen Lynn (Pete) Saltness.

She was preceded in death by her father, Patrick; mother and step-father, Betty and John Jennings; brother, Patrick Joseph Plunkett; brothers-in-law, Steven Madson and Joel Prince.

Visitation will be 4-6 p.m., Monday, June 9 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 10 at Notre Dame Catholic Church, Chippewa Falls, with a visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. at church. Fr. David Nowicki will be officiating.

Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.

For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed/recorded and available to view on this webpage.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you live with intention, just like Kristine did. Hug your family, take a drive with the windows down, and make something special for someone you love.

A special thanks to Dr. Basu and Kristine’s care team at Mayo Clinic in Eau Claire for their consideration and expertise during her long treatment process.