Krista's obituary
Krista Lynne (Gronert) Svendsen, age 46, of Henderson, Nevada, passed away far too soon, leaving behind a legacy of strength, love, and inspiration. She fully lived each day with faith and optimism, whether in her classroom, on the volleyball court, with friends, or at home with her beloved family.
She was born on April 24, 1979, in Winona, Minnesota, and had a sweet childhood filled with joy, nature, music, and sports. Her parents, Randy and Lynne, were teachers and high school coaches, bringing Krista to many practices and events. With endearment, she called herself a gym rat. Krista moved with her family to Henderson in 1989, where she grew into the remarkable woman so many were blessed to know and love.
At Green Valley High School, Krista excelled in track and field, where she still holds the school’s discus record. She was also a standout volleyball player, helping her team win back-to-back state championships and earning MVP honors at the state tournament. Her athletic achievements earned her a full Division 1 scholarship to the University of Texas at El Paso, where she competed for four years with pride. She earned her degree in Preschool and Elementary Education and went on to become an outstanding teacher for 18 years, making learning fun and meaningful. She brought excellence to everything she touched.
When Krista was teaching 5th grade at Glen Taylor Elementary, one of her students arrived at school wearing glasses for the first time. When classmates giggled, Krista turned it into a teachable moment. The next day, she showed up wearing glasses herself and continued to do so every Friday for the rest of the year. It was a simple act, but one that reflected her heart as a teacher.
Krista’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife to Ole, her husband. Together, they built a marriage grounded in love, humor, kindness, and mutual respect. As a mother, she was extraordinary, organized, thoughtful, and endlessly loving. She filled the family calendars, cheered on her sons’ successes, and modeled strength in every challenge. Her sons, Logan (16) and Asher (14), gave back to her in kindness, showing unwavering devotion and care throughout her illness, instinctively stepping in to lift, help, and love on their mom, frequently making her laugh. Together they enjoyed sports, board games, movies, vacations, and so much more. Her boys were her heart’s purpose and passion. She dearly cherished them, often saying “I love you more”.
As an older sister, she lovingly helped raise her younger siblings, Gretta and Beau. She braided Gretta’s hair, coached alongside Beau, and always made them feel included. As an aunt, she delighted in playing with her niece and nephew, Solace and Rowen, all while teaching her sister how to be a better mom. She was the aunt and sister who joined in the play while pouring her whole heart into every moment. Her enjoyment of the show Friends was well known, and she could quote nearly every episode. On her birthday this year, Krista and her brother, Beau, watched her favorite episode together, laughing to the point of tears. With her mom, she played many games of rummikub, enjoyed cooking, and went to Bible studies. Her dad guided her through workouts, put on her favorite songs, and offered kind motivation.
Krista’s love was unconditional, without judgment, and filled with compassion. Even through her sickness, she joyfully smiled and looked for the good. While at times saddened by her circumstances, she made each day count. She fought and lived with resilience and grace. Krista was truly beautiful, inside and out. She held her boundaries while also offering encouragement and thoughtfulness that lifted others up. Her favorite verse was, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” found in Philippians 4:13.
Krista is survived by her loving husband, Ole Svendsen of Henderson, NV; her sons, Logan Svendsen (16) and Asher Svendsen (14), both of Henderson, NV; her mother, Lynne Gronert of Henderson, NV; her father, Randy Haven (Moni Canyon) of Henderson, NV; her sister, Gretta (Kyle) Miller of Flagstaff, AZ, and their children Solace (10) and Rowen (8); her brother, Beau Haven of Henderson, NV; her sister-in-law, Kim (Rick) Hunt of Jackson, WY, and their sons James Hunt of Portland, OR, and David Hunt of Jackson, WY; her sister-in-law, Brook (Matt) Redwine of Jackson, WY; and her parents-in-law, Carolyn and David Svendsen of Jackson, WY; and many uncles, aunts, and cousins. She is preceded in death by loved ones who surely welcomed her with open arms.
Krista’s life reminds us that strength and tenderness can coexist, that dreams are meant to be lived, and that love, when given freely, leaves a mark that cannot fade. When recently asked what gifts God had given her, she answered, “faith, athleticism, optimism, and teaching.” She positively impacted this world with these gifts and more. She will be missed beyond measure and remembered with deep admiration and gratitude by all who were blessed to know her.
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Michael & Sandra Lee 🙏🏾
Our Condolences , thoughts and Prayers are with you and your fam…