Kristine Kay "Kristi" Green

Kristine Kay "Kristi" Schweder Green, age 75, of Marquette, died peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at University Hospital in Madison.

She was born November 4, 1949, in Hustisford, WI, the daughter of Merrill and Dolores A. "Del" Strahota Schweder. Kristi was a 1967 graduate of Markesan High School, where she was involved in numerous clubs and activities including Forensics Club, Girls Athletic Association, Library Club and cheerleading. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Kristi spent her summers as a lifeguard and swimming instructor. Following family tradition, she also worked at Del Monte Foods canning plant during green bean season. After college, she moved to Chicago and began working at the Chicago Board of Trade, where she met Michael Green, whom she married in 1982.

She became a successful and formidable businesswoman as demonstrated by her work as owner/broker of Biscaya Realty with offices in St. Augustine, Florida. Kristi went on to head her company, Biscaya Trading Company, for many years.

During her time at the Chicago Board of Trade, Kristi also met her future husband, John Wassong. Their love blossomed after both were widowed in 1989. On February 15, 1992, she was united in marriage to John. They were married until his death in 2022.

Over the years, they made their home together in Brooklyn, Chicago and Marquette. For eight years, they lived a fun and vibrant life in Madrid, Spain, where they loved to entertain and care for their ever-growing "Euro family." They also took the opportunity to explore many European cities. Everywhere Kristi went she made friends and had an innate ability to maintain those relationships, along with connecting her countless friends with one another.

During her years in Madrid, Kristi was active in associations whose missions mattered to her deeply. She was President of Democrats Abroad Madrid. Along with other duties, she especially enjoyed hosting fundraising events for visiting Democratic candidates and participating in European conferences with other chapters. Kristi was also an active member of the American Club of Madrid, holding offices as President and Director. She took great honor in being named the 2008 American of the Year and being presented the award by then U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, Eduardo Aguirre, Jr. and then Club President, Julio Vidal. This award recognized her outstanding contributions to both the club and the expatriate community in Madrid.

In 2017, Kristi and John initially returned to Chicago. Soon thereafter they sold their loft in Chicago and retired to their country home (aka "Green Acres") in Kristi's hometown of Marquette. She was supportive of many organizations and causes including the Marquette Fire Department, Mill Pond Public Library in Kingston and many other local groups and organizations. Kristi was also on the Board of Directors for Marquette Historical Society. In honor of her father Merrill and five uncles who served, Kristi donated to the R.O.S.E. (Reflections of Souls Eternal) Veterans Tribute, and helped to bring the first Wisconsin and POW/MIA flags to fly in Grandview Cemetery.

Kristi was fortunate that lifelong friend, Beverly Plath, and devoted friend and neighbor, Libby Nehring, were part of her daily life since returning to Marquette. Together, operating informally as 2 'Ol Bags Bakery, Kristi and Beverly baked sweet treats to share with the neighbors. Their cruises around the village will be fondly remembered by all. Kristi loved her family fiercely, and she was one of the kindest, most generous people you would ever meet.

She is survived by her brother, Jon Schweder (special friend, Susan Geisen); sister, Debra Atwater; nieces and nephew, Andrea (Daniel) Klapper, Jon Dean (Amy) Dolgner and Kristina (Joseph) Violetto; great-nieces and great-nephews, Aaron, Jesse and Tiffany Klapper, Natalee and Colin Dolgner and Heidi and Andrew Jenkins; John Wassong's children, Stacy (Eric) Boettcher and John J. (Geraldine "Jeri") Wassong, and their children Taylor, Sofia, and Giuliana Wassong; "daughter of her heart", Susan Schreiber (Karen Holland); and beloved little dog, Bruno. She is further survived by numerous "Euro-kids" whom she mentored and loved to dote on, care for and feed. Kristi was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; brother, Richard Schweder; great-nephew, Sean Klapper; brother-in-law, Bill Atwater; and her beloved four legged "boy", Gunther "Gunny" Wassong.

Private family inurnment will be held at a later date in Grand View Cemetery in Marquette. Arrangements have been entrusted to Barbola Funeral Chapel in Berlin. Memorials may be directed to Donate Life Wisconsin at https://donatelifewisconsin.org/. Anyone wishing to send a sympathy card to the family, please mail to Kristine Green, c/o Barbola Funeral Chapel, PO Box 201, Berlin, WI 54923.