Krista Gafkjen Obituary

In Loving Memory of Krista Kathryn Gafkjen August 25, 1968 – December 7, 2024
Krista, 56, of Panora, Iowa, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family. Jesus came into our home, picked Krista up, and whispered into her ear, "It is time to come home." She was immediately transformed, left the body that had fought a courageous battle with cancer, and entered her Heavenly rest in the arms of Jesus. A woman of unwavering faith, she loved Jesus with all her heart and lived her life as a testimony to His grace and goodness.
Born on August 25, 1968, to Richard and Bonita (Haradon) Bushnell in Denver, CO. She lived most of her growing-up years in Omaha, NE. Krista grew up with a deep love for God and others.
Her joy was found in her family and the cherished moments spent together. She loved camping, finding peace and connection in nature, and she delighted in fellowship with family and friends around a campfire or dinner table.
Krista attended Trinity Bible College where she was active in theatre, received her degree in Biblical Studies, and met the love of her life, Kelly. On December 31, 1990, they married and together they shared nearly 34 wonderful years of marriage. Their love was a testament to commitment, partnership, and faith. They were blessed with four children: Kallin, Kody, KC, and Kordell, who were the pride of her life.
Krista returned to school and received an additional bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Upper Iowa University in 2005.
Krista had the privilege of pastoring alongside her husband, Kelly, in North Platte, NE, McCook, NE, New Sharon, IA, and for the past 25 years, at Lighthouse Assembly of God in Panora. It was her honor to serve the Lord in these locations and was blessed to be a part of these church families.
A dedicated English teacher, Krista worked tirelessly to make sure each of her students felt the love of Jesus through her words and actions. Krista also enjoyed her time as speech coach, being a part of Panorama FCA, and yearbook. Her impact on young lives will be felt for generations to come.
Krista was known for her generous heart and gift of hospitality. From her delicious meals to her famous homemade hooded baby towels, her gifts were well-known and loved by all. Her home was always open and she had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcomed and loved. She gave selflessly and abundantly, touching countless lives with her kindness and care. Her love for her family was boundless, and she found immense joy in her roles as wife, mother, and grandmother.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Dick and Bonnie Bushnell; her brother-in-law, Kevin Gafkjen; and two precious grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Kelly Gafkjen; her children Kallin (Anna) Gafkjen, Kody Gafkjen, KC (Jon) Griffin, and Kordell (Madison) Gafkjen; her grandchildren, Isaiah, Graham, Natalie, Hayden, and June (due January 2025); her siblings, Kelly (Joe) O'Flaherty, Kerri Jo (Jamie) Svoboda, Kraig (Lynda Tiller) Bushnell, Kevin Bushnell, Kent (Chrissy) Bushnell, and Erica Wood; her parents-in-love: Ernie & Jan Gafkjen; her bonus siblings: Todd (Tammy Hammer) Gafkjen, Eric (Amy) Gafkjen, Ginny (Jim) Jeche, and Jared (Rachel) Gafkjen; bonus daughter: Natalia Kryger; as well as many, many nieces and nephews.
Her strength, kindness, and faith left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and resilience that will continue to inspire her family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at Panorama High School Auditorium on Saturday, December 14th at 3:00 PM with a visitation at 1:00 PM. The service can be watched live online through the Panora Lighthouse Assembly of God Facebook page, you can find that at: www.facebook.com/PanoraLighthouse. Additionally, the video will be posted on Youtube at www.youtube.com/@lighthouseassemblyofgod2050 after the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests physical or monetary donations be made to the family to be used for packing shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child in her memory, to continue her mission of spreading love and faith. Suggestions for physical items to give can be found at: tinyurl.com/KristaOCC.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Krista, please visit our floral store.