Kristen Lynn Dahl

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kristen Lynn (Milbratz) Dahl (“Kris”), age 60, of Westbrook, Connecticut. Kris passed away peacefully, in the presence of family, on May 7, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer.

Kris was born on May 23, 1964, in Rockford, IL, and soon after moved to Wilmette, IL where she spent the rest of her childhood. She graduated from New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL (Class of 1982) and received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from North Park University in Chicago, IL (Class of 1986). A dedicated nurse for over 35 years, Kristen (as she was known to her professional colleagues) had a diverse career in pediatric oncology, hematology, primary care and pediatric cardiology. She served in several nursing leadership positions and was a contributing editor in a national pediatric oncology nursing project, while always remaining dedicated to her first love and passion of caring for children. She continuously expressed admiration for her clinical colleagues and all she learned from them that guided her own professional career. Kristen was privileged to practice at many institutions including Boston Children’s Hospital, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (formerly Egleston Children’s Hospital), Wildwood Pediatrics, Essex, CT; and Yale New Haven Hospital. Many of these relationships endure to this day and our family is forever grateful for expressions of sympathy and gratitude for having known and worked with Kristen.

Kris married James (“Jim”) Dahl on January 4, 1992, and together they raised three children, Christopher, Griffin, and Katherine. Over 33 years of marriage, they built lifelong friendships while residing in Decatur, GA, Turlock, CA, and Batavia, IL, before spending the last 19 years in Westbrook. Their home was full of love and Kris and Jim welcomed friends and family into their home with open arms. Kris’s Christian faith was most evident in her joyful outlook, the way she loved and served others, her gift of empathy and compassion in her professional work and by her lifelong service in the church. Among Kris’s hobbies were reading, photography and baking. During the kid’s high school sports years, she made sure most games and matches included batches of fresh chocolate chip cookies.

Kris was preceded in death by her mother Eleanor Milbratz. She is survived by her husband, Jim, and their three children; her siblings William (Erika) Milbratz and Julie (Edwin) Bender, Jim’s siblings and their spouses, Pete (Kelley), Sara Pihl (Greg) and Steve (Julie). She also is survived by her father, W. Peter Milbratz, mother-in-law, Hazel Dahl, 13 nieces and nephews and many aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends all over the world who remain a deeply loved and supportive group.

Her family wishes to thank everyone who has supported us through this difficult journey including neighbors, friends and family, Reverend Jeanette Cooper Hicks and members of Westbrook Congregational Church, and Kris’s Smilow Cancer Center team, led by Dr. Sarah Schellhorn, who gave us the gift of additional time as a family.

Kris faced this disease with determination and courage, grateful for each day. She continued to find joy in the natural beauty around her, spending time with friends, making new friends on her long neighborhood walks, and keeping her husband and children in line as only a wife and mother can do. Her endearing and encouraging advice to all was, “Shine Your Light.” She is a shining light who will be dearly missed.

With large numbers of family and friends across the country, we welcome you to celebrate Kris’s life at separate memorial services:

Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at Westbrook Congregational Church, 1166 Boston Post Rd, Westbrook, CT 06498.

Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Winnetka Covenant Church, 1200 Hibbard Road, Wilmette IL 60091.

There are no calling hours and burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Kristen’s name can be designated to:

North Park University, School of Nursing and Health Sciences, 3225. W. Foster Ave. Chicago, IL. 60625; or Westbrook Congregational Church, 1166 Boston Post Rd. Westbrook, CT. 06498