Krista A. Fuhrman

Thank you for taking a moment to be here. If you’re reading this, it means I’ve slipped away sooner than anyone would have liked.

Every story has a beginning, and mine started on August 27, 1963. I was the baby of the family, and I wore that title proudly. I had three sisters and one brother who shaped me, teased me, loved me, and taught me early on just how important family truly is. My parents, Howard and Jean Fuhrman (Webb), gave us an honest, simple life in the country of Hatchville, Wisconsin.

I loved being outside, visiting my grandparents, and growing up surrounded by people who mattered. I attended all my schooling in Elmwood. In high school, I worked as a cashier at the Cady Cheese Factory — a fitting first job for someone who always enjoyed talking with people and sharing a laugh. After graduation, I worked at Fleet Farm in Menomonie before beginning my 34-year career at 3M. I was lucky enough to work alongside my dear friend Jill, and together we made sure there was never a dull moment. One of my favorite memories were walking all night long at Relay for Life at the Stout track with the 3M team. I never quite outgrew being a kid at heart. Jill and I were known to take a “day off” just to be first in line for new Beanie Babies at Eau Galle Cheese Factory or the Curiosity Shop in Menomonie — priorities matter, after all.

I was also a devoted collector of Cherished Teddies, filling my curio cabinet with little reminders of joy, nostalgia, and fun. In 1994, I became a mom — the role I was most proud of. My daughter, Amber, was my sunshine and my greatest joy. Life didn’t always follow a traditional path, but it followed the right one for us. It was just the two of us, and I wouldn’t have changed that journey for anything.

Friendship was one of the greatest blessings of my life. My lifelong friend Tamie and I shared countless days shopping — Eau Claire, Elk Mound craft sales, and small shops in Menomonie — I always found a treasure or two. And no shopping day was complete without ending it at the Family Restaurant for a slice of pie. Raspberry was my favorite. If you knew me well, you probably knew a few things for certain: I loved Pepsi, fresh Tootsie Rolls, and strawberry Twizzlers. I loved to give warm hugs. I had a quick wit, a smart remark ready at just the right time, and a playful sense of humor that enjoyed a good prank. I tried to be a warm spot in people’s day — and I’m honored to know that, for many, I truly was.

In 2022, my heart grew bigger, I was promoted to Grandma — though my favorite title was “Nina Ista,” lovingly given to me by my granddaughter. Another little blessing joined our family the following year, and my heart found even more room to grow. Huntleigh and Tucker were my world.

I spent my final days at Bell Tower in Merrill, where I was surrounded by compassion. I was cared for by the incredible team at Aspirus Hospice, whose dedication meant more to my family than words can express. When my time came, I left this world peacefully. I am okay now. I am pain-free. And please know that I am still with you. If you’re missing me, don’t look for me. Find me in the sunshine warming your face, in the wind brushing past you, in rainbows after a storm, and in the quiet moments when your heart feels full for no clear reason at all. Look for me in laughter, in kindness, and in the strength you didn’t know you had. I’m there — always.

Survivors are my daughter, Amber Everson (Alex) of Gleason; my beloved grandchildren, Huntleigh and Tucker; my mother, Jean Fuhrman of Menomonie; my sisters, Tammy Fuhrman (Kevin) of Menomonie, Sheryl Willitz (Jonathan) of Illinois, Pam Fuhrman of Colorado; my lifelong friend Tamie of Plum City; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends who became family.

Preceded in death by my father, Howard Fuhrman; my brother, Randy Fuhrman; and my grandparents.

Memorial Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, January 23, 2026 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie. Visitation will be from 10:00-12:00 at the funeral home with a luncheon to follow the service. Burial will be at a later date at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery (Hatchville), township of Weston, Dunn County.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com