Kristine Schmitz

October 12, 1966 - October 4, 2021

Kristine Ann Schmitz, daughter of Garry and Linda (Benge) Kafton, was born October 12, 1966 in Juneau, Alaska. She was baptized at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dedham, Iowa. She attended Harlan High School, where she graduated with the class of 1984. After high school, Kristine furthered her education throughout her life, receiving her Associate’s Degree from Des Moines Area Community College, Bachelor’s Degree from Buena Vista University, and her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. She took pride in being a self-employed owner of two businesses: Schmitz Plumbing and Heating and Blue Star Properties, LLC. Kristine was also proud of being a volunteer for the American Red Cross Disaster Services and Service to the Armed Forces, as well as volunteering for CASA: Court Appointed Special Advocate. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Dedham, Iowa; St. Lawrence Church in Carroll, Iowa; and Central Christian Church in Carroll, Iowa. Kristine’s real pride and joy were her children and their accomplishments. Her four sons’ service in the military was something she was so proud of, and she held close in her heart her relationship with her daughter. Kristine was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister. She died at her home in Harlan on Monday, October 4, 2021 attaining the age of fifty-four years, eleven months, and twenty-two days. She was preceded in death by her father Garry Kafton and brother Michael Kafton. She is survived by her children David and his wife Jennifer of Slater, Iowa; Matthew and his wife Melissa of Greenwood, Indiana; Zachary and his wife Madison of West Des Moines, Iowa; Luke of North Charleston, South Carolina; Grace of Harlan, Iowa; 5 grandchildren: JJ, Mariah, Wyatt, Oliver, and Samuel; mother Linda Kafton of Harlan, Iowa; siblings Kaja Shinn and her wife Julie of Texas; John Kafton and his wife Judi of Idaho; sister-in-law Wanda Kafton of Virginia; former husband Alan Schmitz; nieces and nephews; other family members and friends.