Kristi Koci

On Monday, March 9th, 2020, the world lost an amazing, strong, and kind-hearted woman.

Kristi Ann (Lynch) Koci was born on March 6, 1968.  Raised by kind and loving parents, she grew up on the west side of Madison and attended Our Lady Queen of Peace elementary school and Madison West High School.

Childhood was carefree and full of play.  She loved playing outdoors with the neighborhood kids, driving (crashing) golf carts while caddying for her Dad, eating chocolate cake, and listening to Elvis. One of her favorite made-up games to play was "Julia Child," which involved her creating some (really mostly) delicious masterpieces in the kitchen - accent and all - while her sister was the cameraman. It was clear early on that her passion was cooking and that she was happiest in the kitchen.

After attending high school, she wasted no time and headed up to Sauk City to work at Leystra's Restaurant and began to learn the food industry from good friends, Jim and Janine.

She went on to work at various restaurants and facilities in her 35+ year career, sharing her talents with so many. She made her presence known at each place she worked; The Inntowner, GEF I, UW Medical Health Foundation, Maple Bluff Country Club, and Bishops Bay Country Club. Year after year, club members requested Kristi’s soup (her specialty) to be made for their personal holiday parties. We should all be so lucky to love our job as much as she loved hers.  In addition to being an admired sous chef and co-worker, she made lifelong friends at each and every place she worked. That's just who Kristi was.

Kristi's absolute favorite creation, hands down, is her son Jerik.  Their relationship was a strong one, and one that will continue on despite the distance now forced between them.  Jerik, she will be watching you, giving you strength, and celebrating in your accomplishments!

Kristi met John, her true soul-mate and prince, in 2007 and they married on February 10, 2010 in a beautiful ceremony in Henley Cay, St. John, Virgin Islands. Their marriage was a love story that we could all be jealous of. John treated her like a queen, and every time she looked at him, you could see how much she adored him.

To say that Kristi was a Dave Matthews fan was an understatement.  She and John attended numerous concerts together. Kristi also loved travelling with her husband and friends, making many lifelong, special memories.

Kristi had the unique ability to make everyone feel as if they were the only person that mattered.  If you knew Kristi, she considered you a friend. She had a soft-spot for animals and people alike, especially the lost, mistreated or misunderstood.  She always greeted those she loved with open arms, kisses and hugs, oh those hugs. It's heartbreaking to know we will never feel those hugs again.

She has proven her strength and courage time and time again, leaving us all in awe and wondering just how much she could take on. She never broke, she never complained, she was always worried and concerned about everyone else.  It is because of her unselfishness that someone will benefit from her donation of sight.

Kristi is survived by her husband, John Koci, who’s gentle care, commitment and admiration for her shone even brighter during her toughest of days; her son, Jerik Hartshorne, who she will cherish for an eternity; her sister, Kim Lynch, who will miss her for an eternity; nephews Lane & Dakota Brantmeyer;  sister-in-law, Susan Koci Bender (Tom), and nephew Elliott Bender; brother-in-law, Paul Koci (Jill) and Mahayla, stepson Mikail; mother-in-law Connie Koci, and many extended family and friends. Her snuggles & kisses will also be missed by Kaiko, Marley & Skittles. Also feeling tremendous loss are her closest friends: Cheryl Ruud, Elizabeth and Jim Walli, Heather Hur, and Susan (a huge thank you to each of you for your love, friendship, and support - you meant the world to her!).

She will be greeted in Heaven by her parents, William and Mary (Benzschawel) Lynch, stepson Robert Koci, along with many family/friends that have passed before her.

Services are pending at this time due to COVID-19 restrictions.

May you rest in peace, Kristi - we love you!

Hey my love do you believe that we

Might last a thousand years

Or more if not for this, …

Celebrate we will

Because life is short

But sweet for certain

--The Dave Matthews Band

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3325 E. Washington Ave.

Madison (608) 249-6666