Kris Huhner, 58

Kristen J. Huhner, age 58, of New Prague, died peacefully, surrounded by her family on Saturday, June 9, 2018.  Kris was born on January 28, 1960 in New Prague to Raymond H. and Doris C. (Gehlen) Harpel.  She grew up in Montgomery, attended Holy Redeemer Catholic School, graduated from Montgomery-Lonsdale High School, and attained a degree from Winona State College with a double major in social work and Spanish.  She began her career as a social worker while living in Georgia after her marriage to Philip Simon on April 15, 1983. When they returned to New Prague, they owned and operated Simon’s Bar.  After the couple divorced, Kris started with Norex, Inc. as a technology manager in 1996 through the present.  Kris married David Huhner on February 21, 2001 on Maui, Hawaii. Kris had a heart that reached out to people throughout her life and was a comfort and inspiration to so many.  She was involved in many ministries that touched the vulnerable and injured, such as Healing Hearts Ministry, Hope House, Weight Watchers as a leader, and Le Sueur County ARC.  She was also very involved at St. Wenceslaus Church as a Eucharistic Minister, a mime for the Passion of Christ on Good Friday, and on the parish coordinating counsel.  She particularly enjoyed her Bible studies with her “Bonus Sisters”.  Kris enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and reading.  She appreciated traveling to many, many places in the United States during her 20+ years with Norex and especially traveling with her family and friends. 

Kris is survived by her sisters, Karen & Red Rauschke of New Prague, Kathy & Marc Peterson of Montgomery, Kymn & Jim Anderson of Faribault; many nieces and nephews and “bonus sisters”.  She is preceded in death by her husband, David Huhner on April 9, 2011; former husband, Phil Simon on Sept. 15, 2009; her parents.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at 10:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Kevin Clinton officiating.  Visitation will take place Tuesday from 4 – 8 PM and Wednesday morning from 7:30 – 9:30 at Bruzek Funeral Home; there will be a time of sharing at 7:30 PM.  Burial will occur at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.  Lunch will follow Mass at the KC Hall.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hope House or Healing Hearts Ministry.  bruzekfuneralhome.com