Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
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Obituaries
Sunday, April 4, 2021
Kristina (Van Dyke) Kittelson
KRISTINA (VAN DYKE) KITTELSON
Fruita, Colo.
On March 27, 2021, Kristina Kittelson adjusted her helmet and rode her bike into the afterlife from her home in Fruita, Colorado. Had this ride not been hosted by colon cancer, she would have invited hundreds of people from biking organizations
she once coordinated.
Kristina was born December 1967 in Colorado Springs and adopted by Mary Ellen and Bill Van Dyke. She pursued a diverse educational path after graduating from Fairfield High School in 1986. She earned certification as a Transcendental Meditation Instructor from the Maharishi University, and degrees in Biology, Nursing and Art. She started her lifelong meditation practice at age 5 in Fairfield, Iowa, where she grew up. Her career as a nurse practitioner was cut short when she became Stage IV cancer thriver. Get a cancer screening now, she would urge us. Brian Kittelson captured Kristina's heart with his gentle spirit and wicked sense of humor. They shared 13 years together and doted on their cats. In addition to biking, Kristina and Brian shared their love of camping and wild spaces. She also was a fierce competitor, winning numerous bike races. Kristina continued with her rich life post-diagnosis, developing a strong relationship with her birth father, George Tribelhorn. She traveled with Brian, her mom and friends, and explored the life of the mind in new ways. Kristina sported a hat in every occasion. She was a student of yoga, played games, and loved red wine, rich coffee and a good meal.
Kristina is survived by her husband Brian, mother Mary Ellen Maguire, brother John Van Dyke, nephew Brent Van Dyke, Aunt Kathleen Dunn, Uncles Robert S. (Georgia Kahn) and Ed Dunn (Yvonne), cousin Damon Dunn (Suzanne), in-laws Robert and June, and Pamela Kittelson.
In lieu of flowers, donate to: The Cycle Effect, PalTown or Trails-One Riverfront.