Kristie G. Pukema

Kristie Gay (Nelson) Pukema died on December 23, 2023. She succumbed to the effects of Kartagener’s Syndrome, an inherited lung disease which took both her and her sister Karen (Nelson) Amundson.

She graduated from Barron High School in 1967.

She was 74 years old and was married to Richard Pukema for over 50 years. Her great joys were her three children: Kalika, Killain, and Mylii, and her two grandchildren Olivia and Joseph Gigliotti. For many years, she stayed home to raise her children. Once they were in their school years, she pursued a career in nursing. She had many friends, Karen White and Judy Hack being her besties. She worked at Parkland Hospital, St. Francis South, and retired from the Essentia Health Duluth Clinic. She loved her many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is survived by her brother Gary Nelson (and his wife Bonnie); brothers-in-law Michael Amundson, Bruce Pukema, Tom Pukema, and sister-in-law Heidi Erickson.

A gathering of friends and family is being planned for the spring of 2024. The date and time are to be determined.

If anyone would like to contribute to the ASPCA in her honor, she would be appreciative.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street in Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.