Kristine Louise Gaathaug Timm

Kristine loved her family with all her heart, and she was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, teacher, and friend. Born in Detroit, Michigan on April 27th 1943, she grew up in Bremerton, WA, and lived in Alaska, Hawaii, and California, before moving back to Washington State in 1979. She lived in Auburn, Washington for 42 years, then in 2021 she moved to Merrill Gardens Memory Care in Tukwila for additional support during the end of her journey with Parkinson’s disease.

Everywhere Kris lived, her Christian faith and relationship with Jesus Christ guided and comforted her. She was on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ (“CRU”) in Hawai’i where she met her husband, Dan, at church. Kris was quiet, yet kind and approachable. She was a gifted listener: friends, family, and even strangers felt comfortable sharing their joys and troubles with her because of her extraordinary empathy and sincerity.

Kristi was also a talented musician and a scholar. She had a beautiful mezzo-soprano voice, singing a leading role in the opera “The Ballad of Baby Doe” in college, and was a featured soloist in many choirs and singing groups. She attained a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Western Washington University, and a master’s degree in Library Studies from the University of Hawai’i. Kristi loved reading and worked as a children’s librarian for over 30 years in the Federal Way and Auburn school districts. Some of Kristi’s favorite things included cats, books, the color blue, chocolate, daisies, her Norwegian heritage, musicals, card and board games, and traveling—especially to Disney parks.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Daniel C. Timm; her daughters Lisa Timm (Jeff) and Laura Watts ( James); grandchildren Jack and Essellyn; and her sister Elaine DeLappe. She was preceded in death by her parents Oliver and Essellyne Gaathaug.

Kristine’s memorial service will be held at Greenwood Memorial Park & Funeral Home in Renton, Washington on Saturday, March 15th 2025. Kristine’s family would like to thank Dr. Alexandria McKay and the team at Eden Hospice for their consistent and compassionate care and support. Flowers can be sent to Greenwood and donations in memory of Kristine can be made to CRU.org ministries.

Please enjoy the link below of the tribute video prepared by the family in honor of Kristine:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qExu5N92gw