Kristine Jean (Dahlke) Graven age 63, of Flagstaff, AZ died peacefully at home on November 26th, 2015. Kris was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1989 and lived cancer free until she was diagnosed again in 2010.

Born January 25th, 1952, Kris was the first child of the Vernon and Norma Dahlke family. Almost all her childhood years she lived in Duluth, MN where she grew up with her three siblings, Diana, Paul and Jon. Summers were spent at Rose Lake near Canyon, MN and she enjoyed hours of swimming, skiing, reading, playing cribbage and cards with the family. After she was married she continued the tradition of visiting Rose Lake with her three children, Kala, Luke and Mara.

She participated in the Junior Sons of Norway lodge and danced in the folk festivals. Years later she would help start a Sons of Norway lodge in Flagstaff. She loved and excelled in school. At an early age she started the habit of humming when she was happy and working. She continued humming throughout her whole life.

She went to Duluth East High School '70 then graduated from St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN with a Home Economics degree in 1974. The summers during her college years she started rowing with the Duluth Rowing Club. Her first teaching job was in the farm country of Waconia, MN. She recalled she was informed to never buy margarine because the dairy farmers paid her salary.

Her love of water drew her back to Duluth to teach and ended up reconnecting with her high school sweetheart and had a 20 year marriage. Most of her married life was spent living in Sedona and Flagstaff, AZ as well as Vancouver, Canada. She taught at Flagstaff High School after receiving her Masters from NAU in Special Education.

She had a lifelong interest in cemeteries and felt particularly connected to the old Silverton Cemetery on the hill overlooking the town. Other vacation travels took her to Norway, other parts of Europe as well as Rocky Point, Mexico. Being outside and near water was always what made her feel peaceful and invigorated. Besides Rose Lake, her special water destinations were the Boundary Waters, Lake Superior, Lake Powell and Sea of Cortez.

Kris' three children kept her busy and happy. She nurtured each one to be kind and caring and let them explore their individual interests. Family time was filled with good debates and deciphering "mom's wisdom." The last nine months was also filled with love and joy at being a grandmother to Mara's son, Kingston.

During her life, Kris made time to volunteer at the Auxiliary Assistance League of Flagstaff, the Poore Free Medical Clinic and SOTH church. She loved studying the Bible and meaning of words in general. Attending church was an important part of her life. She cherished and embraced the friendships she made wherever she lived. She was always there if you needed her. She loved good laughter and her lefse and rosettes were the best!

As well as her extended family and dear friends she will be forever remembered by her loving parents, Norma and Vern Dahlke; her siblings, Diana, Paul and Jon Dahlke, and her children; Kala, Luke, and Mara Graven.

There is a Norwegian saying she liked to use, "Takk for Sist" which means "thanks for the last time we were together."
Memorial donations can be sent to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church or the Poore Free Medical Clinic in Flagstaff. To contact family member: Diana.dahlke@gmail.com.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, December 12th at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 1601 N San Francisco Street, Flagstaff. A luncheon will follow the service.