Obituary of Kirsten LaBianca

Kirsten (Olsen) LaBianca, 93, of Niles, died at Woodland Terrace on Monday, May 28, 2018.

Kirsten was born June 16, 1924, to Trygve and Olga Olsen in Kristiansand, Norway. She was the oldest of nine siblings, all of whom she outlived. After completing high school, Kirsten was employed by a Norwegian noble family taking care of their children. While working in the home of this family, Kirsten met her future husband, Olav who was recuperating from polio in the countryside after the sparse World War II years. 

They fell in love, and on August 9, 1947, Kirsten and Olav LaBianca were married. Together Kirsten and Olav had three children. When Olav made a career change from physical therapy to the pastoral ministry, Kirsten worked alongside as a physical therapy assistant and in church work, while raising their family.

In 1962 the family left Norway, immigrating to Battle Creek, Michigan. During their career, Kirsten and Olav served as a team in church ministry in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Oregon. After her children became adults and left home, Kirsten returned to college and earned her R.N. degree. She blessed many over the years with her dedicated roles as wife, mother, physical therapy assistant, nurse, pastoral partner, and friend.  Kirsten was loved for her warm, caring, patient, and accepting personality.  Kirsten was an expert knitter and often made complex colorwork sweaters and socks for family and friends.  A regular host to guests in her home, she was renowned for baking Norwegian specialties, especially “blotkake” and “kringle,” as well as Italian lasagna for many potlucks. Even though Kirsten spent a large part of her life in the United States, she kept close contact with family and friends in Norway and enjoyed both culture’s traditions. She and Olav loved to travel, especially to see their extended family, children, and grandchildren, who all delighted in their visits.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and all of her siblings.

Kirsten is survived by her children, Anne-Mari, Oystein (Asta), and Tormod (Jette); grandchildren, Kristina (John), Erik (Lisa), Sonja  (Heine), Aren , Ane (Tristan), Ivan, and Theodor; 3 great-grandchildren, Leif, Luke, and Villum; and many extended family members.

A private memorial service will be held in August, and Kirsten’s ashes will be interred with her beloved husband’s at Rosehill Cemetery in Berrien Springs.