Obituary of Kirsten Marie King

Our beloved Kirsten’s zeal for life did not come to an end with her death. Kirsten passed away unexpectedly in Naples, FL from medical complications on Sep. 2, 2022, at the age of 40. Her family and friends are in shock and grief over her sudden passing. Kirsten’s loved ones will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest and for Jesus Christ our Lord. Kirsten Marie Carlson was born to Charles and Mary (Stewart) Carlson on May 12, 1982. She was welcomed into the family by her three- year-old brother, Chad. They grew up in Beresford (SD) on the family farm. Kirsten was a joyful, smiling, loving child with bouncy golden curls: a joy to know. Kirsten loved God and accepted Christ as her Savior at a young age. She attended Beresford Public School for elementary and middle school. In 1992 her family moved to Hutchinson (MN) where her father became the minister of Hunter’s Ridge Community Church. She graduated early from Hutchinson High School and attended Ridgewater College. In Sep. 2001, she was married. Her two children were the absolute joy, focus, and inspiration of her life. Freedom is a junior at Liberty University, and Journey is a United States Marine. Kirsten was completely selfless. The simplest pleasures in life brought her great joy. Kirsten’s life was full of laughter-filled evenings with friends and family, playing games, creating art, and painting. Most days she could be found exploring the local beaches, sending us photos of the sunrises and the sunsets. She brought gentleness and kindness with her wherever she went. She is to be remembered for her sweet smile, witty humor, and coffee in her hand. Her way of being was contagious and she will be greatly missed. Kirsten Marie King is survived by her two children, Freedom and Journey; parents Rev. Charles Carlson and Jael (Mary) Anderson; brother, Chad (Fabiana) and their children Gustavo, Giovanna, and Isabella; step-mother, Nicole Carlson; and half-siblings Karissa and Caleb. Aunts, uncles, and cousins on her father’s side mourn her death: Great Aunt Marilyn Carlson; Drs. David and Marilyn Aronson and family; Ruth Phillips; Rev. Rich and Jinny Carlson and family; Chaplin (COL)-R, USA Harold Timothy and Judy Carlson and family; Bruce and Ann Carlson and family; David and Virginia Carlson and family; and a host of other relatives and friends. On Jael’s (Mary) side, she is mourned by aunts and uncles Ted (Jenny) Stewart and family; Carolyn (Jack) Teeter; John Stewart and family; great-aunts and uncles Marilyn Eastep and family; Judy (Harold) Carlson and family; Tim Nelson; and a host of other relatives and friends mourn her passing. Kirsten Marie King is preceded in death by grandparents on both sides: William (Papa Bill) and Charlene Stewart and Rev. Harold Carlson; Hilbert and Verma Larson; four uncles Paul Carlson, Robert Phillips, Jack Eastep, Wayne Nelson and her aunt Sharon Brown - all whom she adored; and three cherished cousins; Patrick Nelson, Carter Engbarth, and Joseph Arnegard. God bless Kirsten’s memory to all of our hearts! Visitation will take place at Anderson Funeral Home (1401 Arcade St., Saint Paul) from 4pm-6pm Sunday evening on September 11, 2022. Celebration of Life service is scheduled on Monday, September 12, 2022 at the First Evangelical Free Church (2696 Hazelwood St., Maplewood) with 1oam visitation and 11am service. Committal service to follow. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Kirsten King’s memorial fund. Checks can be written out to Freedom Peters at 15700 Wing Lake Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55345 or donate by visiting https://gofund.me/01de0e69 Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42186d4-Cjk