In Remembrance

Kirsten Knuti Shultz, 57, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 9, 2025, surrounded by her
family, after a courageous fight against cancer.

Born on November 19, 1967, in Berwyn, IL, Kirsten grew up in Glencoe and attended New Trier
High School, where she played the trumpet in the orchestra and jazz bands. She also performed
in her brother Erik’s rock band, The Cymbals.

Her love for Minnesota led her to the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she earned a degree
in history, continued music in college, and most importantly it was at UMD that she met Matt,
the love of her life.

After college graduation, Kirsten and Matt settled in Wayzata, but their deep connection to the
North Shore of Lake Superior eventually drew them back. They built their dream home in the
woods overlooking the lake, embracing the beauty and serenity of the area.

Kirsten worked as a paralegal her entire career, most recently at Benjamin Kaasa Law Office.
She loved her job and was sad having to retire early due to illness. She was passionate about
health and fitness; an avid skier, sun lover, horseback rider, full and half-marathon runner, and,
above all, a devoted hiker and walker. She was sure to get the dogs out morning and night for a
brisk 3-mile walk.

She and Matt welcomed sons, Bridger in 2001 and Wyatt in 2003. Both inherited Kirsten’s
passion for physical fitness, love of the outdoors, and a deep appreciation for horses. Though
Kirsten was dedicated to her career, her greatest joy was time spent with family and friends.
Kirsten was first diagnosed with cancer in 2014. She did not let cancer define her and she refused
to let it interfere with her activities or spending time with those she loved. Kirsten was fierce in
her pursuit of living and showed many of us that having a strong mind could push a person
through most things. As her cancer made “normal” life more difficult, especially towards the
end, walking and lifting weights remained her sanctuary, as she continued to put one foot in front
of the other with Jasmine by her side; embodying the same will and resilience that carried her
through marathons. Her positive attitude said she would beat it again, no questions asked.
Kirsten is preceded in death by her brother Erik.

Kirsten is survived by her loving husband of 31+ years, Matt; sons, Bridger and Wyatt; sister,
Ingrid Spirito (Chris); brother Ethan (Marina); loving parents Paul and Carol, many extended
family, and her four-legged walking partner, Jasmine.

The funeral service will be held at 11am on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Embarrass Evangelical
Free Church, 5606 E Taylor Road, Embarrass, MN 55732. A private interment, attendance of
family only, will be at Forest Hill Cemetery where Kirsten will be laid to rest next to her brother
Erik.