Kristine “Krissie” Shirley Heise (née Westerman), 76, was called home by precious Jesus on October 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Krissie was born on November 10, 1949, in West Bend, Wisconsin, to Harold and Jeanette (née Werner) Westerman. She grew up in rural Wayne, Wisconsin, and was a proud farmgirl. She attended Holy Trinity Grade School and graduated from Kewaskum High School in 1967, where she earned the Miss Betty Crocker Award, one of her most treasured accomplishments. She went on to study Fashion Merchandising at Madison Area Technical College, graduating in 1969.

Krissie began her career at Manchester’s Department Store in Madison before marrying the love of her life, Mark Heise, on November 13, 1970, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Together, they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. Krissie worked side-by-side with Mark at Beechwood Cheese Factory in Beechwood, Wisconsin, where they took great pride in their business and community.

Krissie was a devoted wife to Mark for 55 years and a deeply loving mother and grandmother. She found her greatest joy in her family and cherished every moment spent with her children and grandchildren. Her kindness, steady presence, and quiet strength of faith touched the lives of all who knew her.

Krissie may never have realized just how much she meant to others, but those who knew her will always remember her warmth, her generosity, and the comfort of knowing she was always there. She was a person who always made others feel loved and appreciated, especially with her handwritten cards. Her genuine sincerity leaves a lasting mark, and she will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

She is survived by her loving husband, Mark Heise; her son, Heath Heise; her daughter, Alison Reinhard; her cherished grandchildren, Vonn and Sophia Heise; her siblings Mike (Shelly) Westerman, Jack (Cathy) Westerman, Lisa (Matt) Malnory, Tim (Jolene) Westerman, Sue (Jeff) Kiener; brother-in-law, Nyles (Bev) Heise; cousins, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Jeanette Westerman; step-mother, Lilly Westerman; parents-in-law Norbert and Evangeline Heise; aunts, uncles and cousins; and her beloved nephew, Ben Westerman.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home, 215 Forest Avenue, in Kewaskum. A second visitation will take place on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church in St. Michaels, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. A private burial will be held on October 23, 2026.

The family would like to extend their deep appreciation to all those who supported Krissie on her 14-year battle with cancer, especially the St. Croix Hospice team for their selfless care during Krissie’s last days.

Expressions of sympathy in Kristine’s honor can be made to St. Michael’s Improvement Fund.

The Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Krissie’s arrangements. Additional information and guestbook may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.