Kristie Stohlquist FitzSimmons, 68, of Hasfitz Lane, Columbus, North Carolina, died on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, at her home.

Born in Marengo, Illinois, she was the daughter of Marion Stohlquist, of Geneva, Illinois, and the late Ronald Stohlquist. She was a graduate of Marengo High School, Class of 1968. 

Kristie moved to Polk County, North Carolina, in 1983.  She was first a teacher at Tuesday School and retired from Tryon Elementary School in 2014 after 28 years of service. 

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

Kristie was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Tryon, North Carolina. 

Surviving are her loving husband of 44 years, Gary L. FitzSimmons, of the home; two daughters, Sara F. Greenway (Kris) of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Amy F. Smith (Shannon) of Landrum, South Carolina; a son, Michael R. FitzSimmons (Laura) of Charlotte, North Carolina; a sister, Jackie Kamholz of Aurora, Illinois; and a brother, Kent Stohlquist (Ana) of Marengo, Illinois. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Carson and Ella Greenway, Josey, Emma, Madeline and Kate Smith, and Luke and Amelia FitzSimmons; and many nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, at McFarland Funeral Chapel in Tryon, North Carolina. 

A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, at St John the Baptist Catholic Church in Tryon, with Father Jason Christian officiating. 

Burial will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Landrum.

Memorials may be made to the American Breast Cancer Foundation, 10400 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 480, Columbia, MD 21044; or Meals on Wheels of Polk County, 75 Carmel Lane, Columbus, NC 28722.

An online guest register may be signed at mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon