Krista Dahlke

Krista Kay Dahlke, age 61 of Belle Plaine, passed away on April 19, 2025 after a courageous battle with ALS. She departed peacefully at home surrounded by her family.

Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025 at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine. Rev. Martin Bentz will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-7 on Thursday, April 24 at the Kolden Funeral Home in Belle Plaine and continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday morning. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, followed by lunch served at the church.

Krista was born in New Prague on May 17, 1963 to Robert Dahlke and Gerry Smith. She grew up in Belle Plaine and graduated from Belle Plaine High School. After more than three decades of service as a dedicated paraprofessional at Southwest Metro, she touched the lives of countless students with her quiet strength, compassion, and unwavering patience. But her greatest joy came from her role as a grandmother — a title she wore with pride and a big, loving heart. She was the proud grandmother of six, each of whom brought her immeasurable pride and joy. Nothing made her light up quite like time spent with them and to say they were spoiled would be an understatement.

She also loved peaceful camping trips, fishing, tending to her flowers, shopping and doting on her two beloved cats.

She is preceded in death by her father, Bob and brother Brad.

Krista is survived by her significant other of 11 years, Stuart Haefner, daughters, Shara (Chris) Hiles and Chelsea (Trevor) Hutchison. Grandchildren, Treyden, Arianna & Greysen Hiles, and Kendall, Kace & Kohen Hutchison. Mother, Gerry Witt. Siblings, Craig Dahlke and Deb Mornson and many other family and friends.