Kristina was born June 12, 1995, in Novocheboksarsk, Russia.
When Kristina was 13, she was adopted by the Knopp Family, who brought her to the United States on May 6, 2009. She was a 2013 graduate of Abbotsford Christian Academy, where she will be remembered as a fierce competitor who played basketball and volleyball.
Kristina was currently an employee of Phillips Medisize, having previously worked at Northland Outlet and Arbys in Medford. Kristina was a free spirit and a true “people person.” She loved to be surrounded with friends, family and especially little children. Her personality lit up a room, and she never knew a stranger. Kristina could see the good in everyone, and was extremely generous through her gift giving. Through her heart for children and generosity, Kristina helped start two schools for underprivileged children overseas. Kristina attended Abbotsford Evangelical Free Church where she helped in Sunday School, Nursery and the One Way Club, and was a member of L.I.F.T Youth Group.
Kristina is survived by her Parents: Richard and Susan Knopp of Medford, Siblings; Samantha (Joel Stark) Knopp of Madison, Jennifer(Chad Tutton) Knopp of Pensacola, FL, Benjamin Knopp of Marquette University, Milwaukee. Grandparents: Ruth Armbrust of Medford, Richard and Barbara Knopp of Sheboygan, Sharon Knopp of Lake Geneva, and many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. Kristina is further survived by her family in Russia, Father; Alexander Vasilievitch Tarenko, Brothers; Vasiliy and Alexander Tarenko.
She is preceded in death by her Grandfather Robert Armbrust, and Russian Mother Irina Kurbatovna Tarenko.
Funeral services for Kristina will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday March 30, 2016 at the Abbotsford Evangelical Free Church, Abbotsford, WI. Pastors Mike and Bruce Jahnke Will officiate. Private graveside services will be held at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II, Medford, WI. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Tuesday March 29, 2016, at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford Chapel, and also from 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM, Wednesday March 30, 2016 at Abbotsford Evangelical Free Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Kristina Knopp may be given to Christian Aid Mission, through which Kristina helped at-risk children internationally. Donations can be made directly at their website (Home>Donate>Help Needy Children) or can be made to Abbotsford Christian Academy with “Christian Aid Mission” in memo line.
Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake have been entrusted with arrangements, online condolences may be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com
Kristina will be greatly missed by her Parents, Brother, Sisters, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and numerous friends, not only in the United States but all over the world.
