Kristina Campbell

Ephesians 5:16-20 instructs us to make the most of every opportunity…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. That is exactly how Kristina Lee (Hayenga) Campbell lived her life. Born on February 9, 1976, to Roger and Deb Hayenga in Sioux Falls, SD, she grew up with her siblings, Leslie and Travis. In her early teens, she was introduced to and embraced their older sister, Michelle.

Soon after she was born, her dad, a Vietnam Veteran, returned to active-duty service with the United States Army. The Army moved the family to six different states in the U.S.A. and planted them nearly twelve years in Germany. They experienced a variety of European countries, cultures and traditions. Kristina particularly enjoyed soccer and volleyball, although more for friendships forged than the activities themselves. There were youth group ski trips and outdoor adventure excursions. Her favorite of all past times though, was found in books.

The summer before her senior year, the family was transferred to Ft Leavenworth, KS where she graduated from high school in 1994. Kristina then spent a year at Berea College in Kentucky, but joined her family in Spencer, Iowa, after becoming quite ill and subsequently diagnosed with type I Diabetes.

While living with her parents in Spencer, she continued her higher education at Iowa Lakes Community College, worked at Pizza Hut and Northwest Bank, and planted deep roots at First Baptist Church. She served in many capacities, with different ministries, and so many wonderful people.

It was through the Awana program at First Baptist Church that she met the love of her life, Mark Campbell. The two were married there on August 28, 1999.

Kristina’s greatest joy was always family. She was the absolute BEST at it. Her nieces and nephews adored her. But then, the most valuable treasures were bestowed upon Kristina and Mark when they became parents to Gabriel Lee in 2005; followed by Kaci Mae in 2008; and then Kallie Rose as the perfect bookend in 2013. Being a wife and mother was what her heart always hoped for, and their lives, their activities, their pain and their sadness were hers as well.

With their roots deep in the rich soil of Iowa, Kristina & Mark took their family on adventures all over the U.S.A. They were especially fond of visiting the Minnesota Twins, Sioux Falls Canaries, and the Sioux City Musketeers & Explorers.

Her earthly body was under attack by illnesses in this world her entire adult life. Kristina squared off with diabetes, underwent organ transplant, rebounded from amputations, and even overcame a stroke. She fought valiantly. Her faith never wavered. Those were the deepest roots of all. She laid down to rest on Thursday, October 23rd and received perfect peace and restoration. We, her family and friends, are comforted by that, and the promise of Psalm 116:15 that says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.” Above all, Kristina was a faithful servant. Now she skips down streets of gold and enjoys lavish feasts with all the saints and angels in the presence of her Heavenly Father.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to:

New Horizon's Adoption Agency

302 S. Grove Street

Blue Earth, MN 56013