Kristine Ann (Holmes) Altenau passed away peacefully at her home in Kennewick, Washington, on May 14, 2025, surrounded by family and under hospice care. She was 82 years old. Her passing followed complications from a stroke caused by endocarditis.

Kristine was born on November 17, 1942, to Beatrice Ann and Donald Theodore Holmes. She grew up with her siblings Jeff, Kathy, and Steven Holmes, and went on to lead a life defined by compassion, strength, and deep devotion to those she loved.

A registered nurse and proud veteran, Kristine served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, caring for others with skill and empathy. After her service, she dedicated herself fully to raising her four children: Luke, Brie, Eric, and Claire Altenau, whom she loved selflessly. Once her children were grown, she returned to nursing at the VA Hospital in San Diego, where she worked with veterans facing challenges of addiction, continuing her lifelong commitment to helping others heal.

Kristine’s life was rich with learning and creativity. She was an avid reader who always had several books open at once, a lover of art and music who filled her home with beauty and warmth, and a talented pianist who played purely for the joy of it. She found peace in her garden and purpose in caring for animals, rescuing and loving many dogs throughout her life.

Those who knew Kristine will remember her as fiercely independent, remarkably strong, and endlessly kind. She built and maintained deep friendships, radiating warmth and understanding to everyone she met. Later in life, she was blessed to share more than 30 loving years with her partner, Lee, a relationship that brought her immense happiness and companionship.

Kristine is survived by her brother Jeff; her children Luke, Brie, Eric, and Claire; and her beloved grandchildren: Oliver, Arthur, Rowan, Elise, and Everly Altenau. She was preceded in death by her parents Beatrice and Donald Holmes, her brother and sister Steven and Kathy Holmes, and her unborn daughter Maggie Rose Altenau.

Her passing came unexpectedly, leaving her family and friends heartbroken but grateful for the legacy of love, resilience, and grace she leaves behind. Kristine will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Einan’s Event Center (Events at Sunset) 915 Bypass Hwy, Building I, Richland, WA 99352, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., where family and friends will gather to celebrate her life and honor her memory.