Kristin Ann Kolling Quirke passed away unexpectedly at her home in Long Beach, California, on May 27, 2026. She

was 68 years old.

Kristin was born on October 25, 1957, in Graceville, Minnesota, a close-knit community in Big Stone County. She

was raised in Graceville, where she attended Holy Rosary Catholic School for grades 1–6 and Graceville Public

Schools for grades 7–12. Her classmates remember her as brave, humorous, playful, sarcastic, strong, and a

leader. She spent her summers bike riding, roller skating, bowling, playing softball, and playing pinball at the youth

center. Swimming at Graceville’s Toqua Lake and Wheaton’s outdoor swimming pool was important to Kristin, and

she got her first job as a lifeguard at age 16.

Kristin maintained lifelong friendships with classmates, who remembered her as brave, a strong swimmer, and

someone with plenty of grit. In high school, she even tried out for the boys’ baseball team—a testament to her

fearless and determined nature. Kris was also a proud member of the Mighty Shamrock Wrestling Cheerleaders.

She enjoyed theater and was recognized for her role in the senior class production of Aunt Cathie’s Cat. Kristin

graduated from Graceville High School in 1975 as part of a class of 50 students. She later attended North Dakota

State College of Science, where she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree in 1977.

Kristin began her professional career in nursing and later owned and operated a successful nurse staffing agency

in San Diego County. In 2015, she embarked on a new adventure in luxury aviation, becoming a private jet flight

attendant for Miramax Films. Her medical background and emergency training made her well-suited for the role,

where she provided highly personalized, five-star service to international executives and other distinguished

guests. She took great pride in anticipating her passengers’ needs and delivering exceptional care wherever her

travels took her.

In 1995, she relocated to Los Angeles County and settled in Marina del Rey, where she became an active member

of the Pacific Mariners Yacht Club and formed lasting friendships. In 2009, Kristin spent time in Jamaica, where

she had lived and worked for many years. Later, she developed a deep affection for Long Beach’s East Village Arts

District. Its vibrant culture, walkability, and proximity to the ocean made it the ideal place for Kristin to make her

permanent home.

Never one to stop exploring new opportunities, Kristin expanded her horizons in 2025 by pursuing work in the

entertainment industry. She quickly found success as a commercial and background actor, appearing in music

videos, cosmetics advertising campaigns, and film productions. Among her favorite experiences were serving as a

stand-in for Martha Stewart during a production shoot and appearing as a background actor in a Sabrina Carpenter

music video.

Kristin will be remembered for her fearless spirit, resilience, adventurous nature, and remarkable ability to form

lifelong friendships. She found joy at the beach, often walking five to seven miles along the Long Beach

oceanfront, drawing strength, peace, and happiness from the sea she loved so dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Quirke; her mother, Donna Marie (Ritter) Tritz; and her

brothers, Peter and John Kolling.

Kristin is survived by her son, Joseph Renner (Elizabeth); her brothers, Michael Kolling (Jill) and Patrick Kolling

(Vicki); and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Pacific Mariners Yacht Club, 13915 Panay

Way, Marina del Rey, California 90292, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. RSVP to 949-701-5400. In honor of Kristin’s love for

the ocean, friends and family will gather aboard a vessel to release her ashes into the sea, allowing the tide to

carry her home. Kristin will be deeply missed and forever remembered.