Kristi Lynn Koppendrayer

Kristi Lynn Koppendrayer, age 67, of Nicollet, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, surrounded by love.

Kristi was born on August 10, 1958, in Pease, Minnesota, to Elroy and Darlene (Hubers) Hanenburg. She was raised on a dairy farm, where she learned the values of hard work, compassion, and devotion to family—values that guided her throughout her life. Kristi graduated from Milaca High School and went on to pursue her calling in nursing at Anoka-Ramsey Technical College, earning her RN degree. She later completed her Bachelor of Nursing degree at Mankato State University.

On August 9, 1980, Kristi married the love of her life, Les Koppendrayer. Together they shared 45 years of marriage filled with deep love, partnership, and unwavering commitment. Kristi was blessed with two children, Jessica and David, who were truly her entire world. Her love for her family was boundless, and everything she did was centered around caring for and supporting them.

Kristi found joy in the simple beauty of life. She loved the outdoors—especially swimming, walking, and biking—but her greatest happiness came from spending time with her family, creating memories, and being present for every moment. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and later a cherished grandmother, whose warmth and kindness touched everyone who knew her. As a nurse, Kristi's compassionate and nurturing spirit shone through in every life she touched. She spent most of her career as a hospice nurse with New Ulm Medical Center, where she walked alongside patients and families during their most difficult moments. With quiet strength, patience, and unwavering kindness, she offered comfort, dignity, and peace to so many. Her work was not just a profession—it was a reflection of who she was at her core.

Kristi is survived by her beloved husband, Les; her children, Jessica (Nathan) Greenig of Woodbury, Minnesota, and David (Shayna) Koppendrayer of St. Peter, Minnesota; and her grandchildren, Tyler and Kylee Greenig, and Cora and Henry Koppendrayer. She is also survived by her siblings, Beth Hanenburg, Lori Drangstveit, and Curt Hanenburg, along with many other cherished family members and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elroy and Darlene Hanenburg; her stepmother, Norma Hanenburg; her in-laws, Herman and Edith Koppendrayer; her brother-in-law, Mark Drangstveit; and her grandchildren, Will and Emma Koppendrayer.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 25, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Northview Mortuary in North Mankato. A visitation will be held on Monday, January 26, at Crossview Covenant Church in North Mankato from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service. Kristi will be deeply missed and forever loved. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor her memory to continue Les and Kristi's legacy of giving back by directing memorial donations to MY Place in Mankato.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Pathstone Memory Care for the exceptional care, compassion, and dignity they provided Kristi each and every day.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by

Mankato Area Funeral Homes.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.