Kristie Kay (Carlson) Parkinson

Kristie was born in Marquette, Michigan, on September 10, 1954, the daughter of the late Donald A. and Barbara K. (McWilliams) Carlson.

Kristie graduated from Republic-Michigamme High School, Class of 1972. She was employed by Pepin-Ireco for a time before deciding to dedicate her middle years to raising her three children. Once the kids were older, she decided to rejoin the workforce and took a position at the Ishpeming Community Federal Credit Union (TruNorth Federal Credit Union) for many years where she worked her way up to the manager at the Republic Branch. Kristie entered politics during this time, being elected as a trustee on the Republic Township board. She was also an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church of Republic until she was robbed of her independence by a myriad of health battles.

Kristie enjoyed exploring the ancestry and genealogy of her family along with that of her husbands. She was an avid reader, visiting the library weekly to choose a new book. But what she enjoyed the most, though, was spending time with her kids and grandkids who she loved with a ferocity that could not be matched.

Kristie is survived by her husband, Joseph “Pat” Parkinson, whom she married on April 1, 1978, a son; Anthony (Sarah) Parkinson of Negaunee, daughters; Kaylin (Ian) Spiroff of Marquette and Andria (Kurt) Corcoran of Ishpeming, 8 grandchildren; Tallen, Mila, Layne, Finn, Charleigh, Bailey, Ellis and Rowan, a sister; Carrie (David) Todd of Palm Coast, FL, 2 brothers; Shane Carlson of Assonet, MA, Chad (Katrina) Carlson of Houghton, sister-in-law; Kathy (Pete) Feit, brothers-in-law; Mark (Ellie) Parkinson and John (Sandy) Parkinson, along with several nieces and nephews.

Kristie was preceded in death by her parents Donald and Barbara “Kay” Carlson, a brother Arley Carlson and a sister Sandy Carlson.

A public visitation will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 pm, on Saturday, May 15, 2021, at the Bethany Lutheran Church, in Republic.

Kristie’s funeral service will be private for family, which will be officiated by Rev. Alex Ross.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, please wear a mask and abide by social distancing guidelines.

Pallbearers will be Kristie’s nephews.

Interment will take place at the Republic Cemetery.

Kristie’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.comwhere relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.