Kristen Orlowski

Memorial services for Kristen M. Orlowski, age 39, of Madison, Nebraska will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison. Reverend Todd Kollbaum will officiate.

The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home website.

Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the church.

Resseguie Funeral Home in Madison is in charge of arrangements.

Kristen died Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk, Nebraska.

Kristen Marie Orlowski, daughter of Tami (Jensen) and Jim Thompson, was born September 30, 1986, in Greeley, Colorado. She attended school in Broken Bow and Halsey, graduating from High School in 2004. After graduation, she attended UNK, where she met John Orlowski III. The couple married on June 14, 2008, in Kearney.

Kristen and John lived in Lincoln, where she worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs. They were blessed with two children, Elayna and Collin.

In 2016, the Orlowski's moved to Madison. Kristen started her own business, Wanderlust Home and Candle, first working out of her home, but as the shop quickly grew and thrived, she opened up a storefront in Madison, where she offered Saturday morning “therapy” sessions to her regular customers.

She taught fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grade at Trinity Lutheran School, where she was beloved by students and staff alike. Kristen’s vibrant personality naturally drew people to her, and most everyone felt instantly comfortable in her presence. Her beauty and big blue eyes were striking.

She loved to travel, and her children will cherish the memories made together on road trips to places near and far. She was a member of the School Board and coached volleyball, basketball, and track. She was an excellent cook who had high standards and was very particular about the recipes and ingredients she used.

Kristen is survived by her husband, John; children, Elayna and Collin; parents, Tami and Jim Thompson; brother, Geoff Davidson; in-laws, John Jr. and Brenda Orlowski; grandmother, Vicki Jensen; grandparents in-law, John Sr. and Jerilyn Orlowski; brothers-in-law, Jesse (Adrienne) Orlowski and Jeremy (Leanne) Orlowski; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her son, John Orlowski IV; and grandparents, Roger and LaDonna Jensen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed towards Forever in Our Hearts.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.homeforfuneralsinc.com.

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