Kia Lynn Stahnke

life story

Kia Lynn Stahnke passed away peacefully with her husband Nick at her side on January 12th at St. Luke's hospital in Duluth. She was born in St.Paul, MN, and later moved to the Gunflint Trail with her family and, in her words, became a "weird Trail kid." She also became an incredible human being. If she helped her mother on cleaning jobs and was offered candy or a toy as payment, she refused - Kia wanted cash, like an adult. From an early age she took her work seriously, whatever it was. This was especially apparent when she got a job at Trail Center. Everyone that came in while Kia was working was greeted with a big bright smile and a warm welcome no matter how her day was going behind the scenes. Kia knew how to make people feel welcomed and she did it with enthusiasm and grace. Even if it was in a small space, she did her best to make the world around her brighter and better, and more full of joy. She was an incredible woman and will be missed dearly.

Kia is survived by her husband Nick, sister Tisa Butcher (Jeff), nephews Alex, Ethan, and James.

She is preceded in death by her mother Diane "Deenie" Stahnke, grandmothers Edythe Stahnke and Lois Price, and grandfathers Herbert Stahnke and Edward Price.

Private services will be held at a later date.