Kris Bell, age 77, of Winona, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Lake Winona Manor.

She was born on July 30, 1949, in Winona, to Arthur and Marjorie (Greene) Johnson. Kris attended school in Bluff Siding, WI, Fountain City, WI, St. Martin's School in Winona, and graduated from Winona Senior High School. Kris was united in marriage with James L. Bell on May 7, 1971, at the Parsonage of St. Martin's Lutheran Church in Winona. He preceded her in death on January 5, 2005.

She was employed with Watkins in Winona, where she and Jim met; as a bookkeeper for Gerdes Auto Repair; and then for over 30 years as the secretary at St. Matthew's Church and School until her retirement.

Her greatest joy in life was her family. She cherished every moment spent with her children and grandchildren and rarely missed a chance to cheer them on and share life's special moments. Whether attending sporting events, visiting grandchildren at school, gathering for family dinners, or simply spending time together, Kris loved supporting and encouraging her grandchildren in all they did. She was a devoted grandmother whose love, presence, and unwavering support meant the world to her family. Kris also enjoyed playing cards, trips to the casino, and traveling, but nothing brought her more happiness than being surrounded by those she loved. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Kris is lovingly survived by her daughters: Tracy (Curt) Slater, Deb (Phil) Sonnenberg, and Lisa (Thomas) Frisk; grandchildren: Isabelle Koster and Grace Slater; Elleigh, Anna, Ajay, Eagan, and Ettrick Sonnenberg; and Aaron and Spencer Frisk; brother, Gregg (Barb) Johnson; an aunt, Ruth Hinrichs; as well as her special Greene cousins, other relatives, and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; parents, Art and Marge; and her beloved cat, Rita B.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, October 16, 2026, at St. Matthew's Ev. Lutheran Church, 766 W. Wabasha St., Winona. Pastor Austin Claflin will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 4 PM until 6 PM, and again at St. Matthew's Ev. Lutheran Church on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 10 AM until the time of the service.

Pallbearers will be Kris' grandchildren.

Memorials would be appreciated and may be directed to St. Matthew's Ev. Lutheran Church or School.

Kris' family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to Pastors Claflin and Schroeder for their visits, and to the nurses and staff of Lake Winona Manor for the excellent and loving care she received.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Kris' family at watkowski-mulyck.com.