Kristine K. (Stukel) Vaagen

Kristine K. Vaagen (nee Stukel), age 45, passed away in Santa Rosa, CA on July 20, 2021 after a courageous battle with Central Nervous System Lymphoma. She was born in Joliet, IL on October 17, 1975. Daughter to the late Kenneth and JoAnn (nee Borio) Stukel of Joliet.

Kristine is survived by her husband, Joseph Vaagen; her son, Jacob Vaagen; sisters, Michelle (Brian) Sartorelli, Theresa (Jay) Hambrick; brothers, Kenneth, John (Carmen) and Matthew (Heidi) Stukel. Also surviving are many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Kristine was a wonderful, caring person with a beautiful soul and free spirit. She enjoyed a lot of things throughout her life including spending time with family and friends. In the past few years she especially enjoyed working out, walking her dogs and spending time with her husband and son. Many of her friends will always remember her as the life of the party. One of her greatest joys in life was being around and getting to know others. She loved talking to people, hearing their stories, sharing her own and creating memories with everyone. Her nieces and nephews will never forget the countless times they had sleepovers at her house.

Kristine will be truly missed by all those who knew her. Her smile, laugh and personality brightened the lives of many and those moments will continue on through her memory. Despite her passing, the memories she created will live on through joyous stories of the person she was and the happiness she brought to those around her.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kristine’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the charity of your choice.

A celebration of Kristine's life will begin on Monday, August 9, 2021 with a memorial visitation at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. then driving in procession to St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church in Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be held privately at St. Joseph Cemetery in Joliet.