Kristin Joyce Butz

Kristin Joyce Butz, 35, of Kirkland, Ill., passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

She was born at OSF St. Mary's Medical Center in Galesburg, IL, on December 18, 1989, to Joseph "Jeffrey" and Carrie Jo (Kenney) Krug.

Kristin graduated from Galesburg High School in 2008.

On November 10, 2024, she married her best friend and soulmate, Brianna Butz, onboard the Carnival Celebration in Miami, FL.

Due to having POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), Kristin was unable to work during her adult years. Still, she was an advocate for anyone who suffered from POTS. Kristin was a woman of many interests, including collecting rocks, seashells, and sea glass from all of her travels. She also enjoyed propagating and growing plants. She truly had a green thumb. Kristin loved listening to all music, but as a true Swiftie, she especially loved Taylor Swift. She also enjoyed cruising the Caribbean and visiting new places with her wife, Brianna. Most recently, she was really getting into photography and expressing herself through her pictures.

Quite possibly, her greatest love was watching her daughter, Emma, grow into a beautiful young lady. She loved her life and all their adventures with her beloved wife.

Survivors include wife, Brianna, of Kirkland; daughter, Emma, of Davenport, IA; sister, Amy (John) Brannan of Clinton, IL; brother, Kevin (Natalie) and Louis Krug of North Charleston, NC; mother-in-law, Doreen Butz of Kirkland, IL; special friend, Chelby Thompson of Princeton, IL; beloved yellow lab Cruizer; and many wonderful friends.

She was predeceased by mother, Carrie Jo; maternal and paternal grandparents; and father-in-law, Ricky Butz.

Memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Kirkland Historical Society, 309 S. Fifth St, Kirkland, IL, with a visitation from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

A memorial fund has been established to be determined at a later date.

Arrangements by Olson's Quiram Sycamore Chapel, 1245 Somonauk St., Sycamore, IL 60178; 815-895-6589. Visit www.olsonfh.com to share a memory or leave a condolence.