Kristie Jane Knudsen passed away at the age of 66 on Saturday, November 15, 2025, in the Hospice Home of Lenawee County. Kristie was born to Jane Hilliker and Darrel Alexander in Flint, MI on November 4, 1959. She grew up alongside her brother David in “The Berry Patch” in Flint. Where they celebrated many birthdays and holidays together as a family enjoying fresh baked goods Jane made, a skill she passed on to her daughter. Kris attended high school at Flint Southwestern where she graduated in 1976. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Concordia University. She started her college career at Concordia in Ann Arbor, MI and graduated from Concordia in Seward, Nebraska in 1980. After graduation she accepted a position as a school teacher at Redeemer Lutheran in Flint, MI. Fulfilling one of her dreams – to be a Lutheran School teacher at that specific school. Kristie married and had three children: Jordan, Jamison, and Jillian during this time. Partially fulfilling another of her dreams – to have a large family. After teaching at Redeemer Kris and her family moved to Millington, MI where she accepted a position teaching at St. Paul Lutheran School. During her time teaching at St. Paul Kris and her husband became foster parents. Through fostering Kris was blessed with three more beautiful children: Jayce, Jo, and Jett. Thus, fulfilling her dreams of having a large family. Kris’ children were everything to her. She loved her career as a teacher but loved being a mother and a grandmother even more. In her free time Kris enjoyed baking and even had a business on the side that she named Confection Elves. Anyone who knew her knows how delicious her baked goods were. No event was complete without them. Some of her favorite things included Snoopy from the classic show Charlie Brown, horses, and her beloved pets (Sage, Phoenix, and Zane). Kristie is survived by her Husband (Scott Knudsen), Mother (Jane Hilliker), children (Jordan & Alecia, Jamison & Maddie, Jillian Rizwan, Jayce, Jolie, and Jett), and brother (David Alexander). Along with her grandchildren (Paisley Knudsen, Tommy Knudsen, and Zahra Rizwan). She joins her father (Darell Alexander) in death. Memorial Service will be held Saturday December 6, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church and School 1011 University Dr, Rochester, MI 48307. Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM and a service to follow at 11:00 AM with Pastor Steve officiating. Arrangements with Purse Funeral Home. www.PurseFuneralHome.com
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