Kristine “Kris” Kreiter O’Connell, a cherished member of the Sioux Falls community, passed away on February 25, 2026, at the age of 69. She spent her final moments at the Dougherty House, surrounded by love and care. Her family announced that a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on March 3, 2026, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Sioux Falls, followed by a burial at St. Michael Cemetery.
The visitation for friends and family will take place on March 2, 2026, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls, starting at 17:00. The evening will include a Liturgical Wake Service and The Divine Mercy Chaplet at 19:00, providing an opportunity for loved ones to come together in remembrance.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to Feeding South Dakota, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing hunger in the region.
Kris is survived by her devoted husband, Robert “Bob” O’Connell, and their daughter Kelly Wagner, along with her husband Jason Wagner from Sioux City, Iowa. The family includes three beloved grandchildren: Hope, Gabrielle, and Jacob Wagner. Her siblings include Jeff Kreiter and his wife Jan from Sioux Falls, and Kim Sheppard and her husband Stuart from Bentonville, Arkansas. Additionally, she leaves behind two nephews, Ben Kreiter and Jordan Sheppard, along with the entire O’Connell Clan and many other relatives and friends.
Kris was preceded in death by her parents and a niece, Taylor Marie Sheppard. Her legacy will continue through the countless lives she touched during her time in Sioux Falls. The community mourns her loss while celebrating a life filled with love and service.
As family and friends gather to honor Kris’s memory, they reflect on her kindness, generosity, and the indelible mark she left on those around her. Her contributions to the community and the love she shared will not be forgotten.
