Kristi Lynn Burkee Farrell

Kristi Lynn (Burkee) Farrell, 81, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away Monday, November 13, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was the center of our world, and will be missed more than words can say.

Kristi was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 12, 1942, to John Burkee (Bjørke) and Effie Leona Soli Burkee, and was the younger sister of her beloved brother John Gary Burkee. John and Effie were wonderful parents whom she loved dearly.

Kristi loved growing up in the city, playing in nearby Wells Park and spending time with her dear friend Judy Randolph Price. She also enjoyed summers and holidays in Iola, Wisconsin, at her grandmother’s farm and in the home her parents built on “the Hill.”

Kristi graduated from Amundsen High School in 1960, where she had many fun adventures with her friend MaryEllen Wulff Storm. MaryEllen was instrumental in Kristi meeting her devoted husband of 62 years, Richard Henry Farrell Jr., at Winnemac Park in 1958. Rick pulled the classic “let me show you how to hold the bat” move, and Kristi must not have been too impressed at first, because when he asked for her phone number, she told him she didn’t have a phone. But Rick was smitten and found her phone number from other sources, and Kristi decided to give him a shot. All it took was one date, and they were both head over heels for each other from then on.

Kristi worked for the Wrigley Company in downtown Chicago for 3 years until their first child, Richard Henry III, was born. The next 17 years of her career were spent as a full-time mother, which she enjoyed very much. Once their second child, Vicki Lynn, was born, they decided to head for the suburbs and moved to Schaumburg, IL, where their third child, Christopher Jon, joined the mix.

Kristi enjoyed many wonderful friendships in Schaumburg while participating in a host of activities including bridge playing, “coffee klatching,” holding dinner parties, census taking, caroling, and more. She treasured those friendships always. Kristi also enjoyed getting involved in the community, and served on the Schaumburg Jr. Women’s Club, helping with many charitable endeavors to benefit the community.

In 1979 Rick convinced Kristi to give Florida a try, and the family made the big move. Kristi joined Rick working for BellSouth Communications, where she worked as a Property Administrator. She enjoyed her time there and the many friends she made amongst her co-workers.

During their 44 years in four different cities in Florida, Kristi and Rick created four beautiful, love-filled homes and enjoyed many adventures together and with their family, including countless trips to Walt Disney World. Kristi loved creating photo albums for every occasion, including many details about the food, activities, etc. Her family and friends are grateful for the many beautiful albums she left for us to remember her by and treasure always.

Kristi was a wonderful cook and hostess, who loved experimenting with recipes and trying new dishes. She hosted every family holiday gathering and made each one special for her husband, children, and grandchildren. For many years she also hosted an annual “lefse making” party, paying homage to her Norwegian heritage, which she was very proud of. Kristi and her daughter visited Norway in 1994 to attend a family reunion on the farm her father grew up on. She formed deep bonds with her Norwegian cousins and extended family, and she treasured those relationships dearly.

Kristi was predeceased by her parents and brother. She is survived by her loving husband, Richard Henry Farrell Jr.; her son Richard Henry Farrell III; her daughter Vicki Lynn Farrell Knowles; her son Christopher Jon Farrell; her daughters-in-law Kerri Lynn Farrell and Staci Danyel Farrell; her grandsons Sean Michael Knowles, Richard Henry (Susanna) Farrell IV, Ryan Andrew (Grace) Farrell and Cade Wylan Farrell; her granddaughters Katherine Lynn Knowles and Nyah Danyel Farrell; her sister-in-law Lynn Burkee; her nephews John Gary (Crystal) Burkee Jr. and Thomas (Susan) Burkee; her niece Malissia Lynn Burkee Baun; her beloved Bjørke cousins and extended family members in Norway; and many treasured friends.

The family will be holding a private celebration of Kristi’s life at a future date. If you would like to commemorate Kristi’s life, please consider donating to one of her favorite charities. It was very important to Kristi to support no-kill animal shelters.

Jacksonville Humane Society

Wounded Warrior Project

Shriner’s Hospital for Children