Christine Espeland, 53, went to Heaven early Sunday morning on November 2, 2014, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She died on All Saints Sunday as a tribute to her strong Christian faith.
Christine was born Christmas day in 1960 to Steven and Agnes Kubicek in Owatonna, MN. She had two brothers and a sister. Chris went to high school in Ellendale, MN where she was involved with the band and was a majorette. She attended college in Winona, MN.
Christine married her high school sweetheart Wayne in 1980. They moved to Arizona with their daughter (Rachael) in 1983. After calling Arizona home, they had two more children Ranae and Robyn. They have lived in Cottonwood since 1986.
Chris was a very loving and generous person. She was a giver by nature and always had a nice big contagious smile. She was employed at Verde Valley Medical Center and worked with the entire Care Staff as the office manager. Prior to that, she worked for AllMed Medical Supply and Dr. Feldman’s office.Christine was a member of Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir and was a council member and bookkeeper over the years. She loved to go camping, hiking, and walk her dogs. Chris enjoyed spending time with her daughters and loved attending Zumba classes with Rachael and liked her stained class projects. She went to many sporting events with her husband over the years in Phoenix.
Christine is survived by her husband Wayne; three daughters Rachael, Renae and Robyn; sister Diane Lucas (Tom); two brothers Richard Kubicek and Ronald Kubicek (Marilyn); mother-in-law Carol Espeland; sister and brother-in-law Connie Hesley (Kelly) and Curt Espeland (Karen); and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by her four dogs Daisy, Buddy, Chico and Montana.
A Memorial service will be held for Christine on November 22, 2014 at the Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, 330 Scenic Drive, Clarkdale, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the 715 W Graham St. Cottonwood, AZ 86326.