Edina Woman Celebrates Sixty Years of Marriage Before Passing

Kristin Welbaum, an 83-year-old resident of Edina, Minnesota, passed away on August 24, 2026, surrounded by her loving husband Mike, who had been by her side for sixty years.

Kristin was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, known for her exceptional household management skills and ability to nurture strong relationships with her family and friends. She was particularly skilled at celebrating special occasions, ensuring that birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays were always marked with love and care.

Born on May 19, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, Kristin spent her early childhood growing up with her younger brother Bruce and parents Florence and Wendell Nelson. At the age of 13, she returned to Minnesota with her family, settling in Litchfield, where she formed lifelong friendships during her teenage years.

Kristin pursued a nursing degree at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, graduating in 1965. She then worked in psychiatric care before meeting her husband Mike during her senior year of college. The couple married in 1966 and had three children: Katie, Ron, and Gretchen.

Kristin's family life was marked by frequent relocations due to Mike's career with IBM, but she consistently made new friends and maintained connections with extended family through letter writing and annual visits. When her children were older, Kristin re-entered the nursing profession, working in neonatal care for ten years.

In 1996, Kristin and Mike returned to Minnesota, where they welcomed nine grandchildren over the next twelve years. Kristin was particularly happy during this period, known as her 'grandparent era,' when she could spend more time with her family and share her love and wisdom with the next generation.