Kristin A. (Dahlen) Ellis

Posted

FORRESTON – Kristin A. (Dahlen) Ellis, 65, of Forreston, passed away on July 11, 2017, surrounded by her husband and three children.  She was born on Oct. 25, 1951 in Rockford, the daughter of Karl J. and Beebe Arline (Nelson) Dahlen.
Kristin graduated from Guilford High School. She married Vernon Ellis on Sept. 21, 1996 in Freeport. She was a school secretary for Rockford Public Schools, Hononegah School District and Freeport Public Schools. She worked for Stone’s Hallmark in Freeport and enjoyed doing pet photography at Grot Imaging Studio in Dixon. Kristin also ran her own business, Two Sister’s Aprons, with her sister Vesta. She always embraced special projects and recently sewed over 100 dresses for donation to Little Dresses for Africa. Kristin was a Master Gardener, a Certified Therapy Dog Handler, and enjoyed doing agility and obedience training with her Border Collies. She was an accomplished, lifelong birder and her passion for this hobby led her to travel across the country from the far reaches of Alaska to Florida. She was also involved with a Macrophotography group and often judged their photo contests. Kristin was always open to learning new skills and enjoyed new experiences. She was a proud homemaker and enjoyed cooking and baking for her family. Above all, Kristin was a wonderful, nurturing Mother and Grandmother, teaching respect for all life.  
Kristin is survived by her husband, Vern; children, Chad Corcoran, Kelly (Michael) Pires, and Patrick Cronin; grandchildren, Miranda, Michael, Nicholas, and Gabriel; brothers, Karl (Susan) Dahlen, and David (Roxie) Dahlen.  She is predeceased by her parents and sister, Vesta Peterson.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 22, 2017 at Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 2nd Ave., Rockford, with Rev. Dr. Michael Thomas officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:45 a.m. on Saturday prior to the service at the Chapel. Burial will follow in Scandinavian Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary in Rockford.  To share a memory or send an online condolence, visit olsonfh.com.