Kris Whelan, 54

Published 11:02 am Friday, September 9, 2016

Kris Whelan, 54

Kris Whelan, 54, passed away peacefully Monday evening, Sept. 5th, 2016, at St. Mary’s hospital in Rochester Minnesota, after a long five-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was surrounded by family and loved ones.

Kris was born in Austin, Minnesota, on Sept. 16, 1961, the daughter of Tom and Donna Whelan.

Kris graduated from Austin High School in Austin, Minnesota, in 1980. On Feb. 14, 1980, she married Jeff Brown and they soon moved to Rochester, Minnesota. Daughter Amanda Joy Brown Wambach was born Aug. 18, 1980.

For the majority of her career, Kris was an instructor for Blue Cross Blue Shield in Eagan, Minnesota. Her job allowed her to travel and teach all over. She especially loved to teach in Superior Shores.

Kris loved family and friends, good food, the outdoors and most of all laughter. She loved gardening and crafted the most amazing meals with love. She loved to fish, read, knit and watch movies.

Kris was preceded by death by her father, Tom Whelan. Kris is survived by her mother, Donna Whelan; daughter, Amanda Wambach; and husband, John; grandson, Xavier Wambach; sister, Vicki Whelan-White and her husband Don; sister, Sue Whelan-Hardenberg; brother, Dean Whelan and wife Nancy; and sister, Rae Whelan-Johnson; and many nieces and nephews and extended family and her closest of friends, who were indeed family to her.

In her honor the family will be hosting a Celebration of Life from noon to 4 p.m on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016. We are going to be crafting a smorgasbord of Kris’s favorite recipes. This celebration will take place at our family home at 2004 Sixth Ave. SE in Austin, Minnesota. All are welcome to attend.