Mrs. Christine Mary Keiser

Christine Mary Keiser, 62, formerly of Petoskey, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly to join her Lord and Savior on December 13th, 2023. Christine, also known as Chris (or Chrissy to those very special people) was born on May 20th, 1961 to Edward George Zitnik and Noreen Margaret Zitnik (Rayburn) at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital. She was raised in Melvindale, Michigan along with her three siblings. After graduating from Melvindale High School in 1979, she pursued her dream of becoming a nurse and graduated from Henry Ford Hospital School of Nursing in 1983. In 1984, she married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Douglas Craig Keiser. Shortly after becoming husband and wife, they moved to Petoskey, Michigan for Doug to start his career as a Public Safety Officer within the Petoskey Department of Public Safety. Chris began her career as a Registered Nurse. She transitioned to what is now known as the McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital, where she found her passion specializing in pediatrics. At first, Chris didn’t think she wanted to have children, which is probably shocking to those who knew her as a mother. She said that her love of children began with her career and their first child, Jessica, was born in 1987. She then had Lauren in 1990, and Michael in 1994. When she was not supplying unconditional love and support, delicious meals, and lots of laughs to her family, she was excelling in her profession. No matter where Chris went, she was a ray of sunshine and made sure that everyone around her was cared for and loved. The only people she loved spending time with more than her children were her grandchildren. She made every holiday, birthday, and special event a reason to be together and celebrate. She established so many beautiful traditions that are guaranteed to be passed on for generations to come. Chris was selfless, caring, witty, and hilarious. She was nuclear powered and could never stay still. She dedicated her life to caring for others with her whole heart and wrapped everyone she met in kindness and warmth, which reflected her beliefs and strong spirituality. She took such joy in life and had many hobbies, including bird-watching, cooking, baking, long walks, gardening, and reading. Chris was predeceased by Edward George Zitnik, Noreen Margaret Zitnik, and Jennifer Patricia Collins. She is survived by her beloved husband, Douglas Craig Keiser; her children, Jessica (Timothy) Lynn Luke, Lauren (Brock) Marie Kimball, Michael (Kayla) Edward Keiser; her grandchildren, Nadia Patricia Luke, Keira Nicolle Luke, and Liam Arthur Kimball; her siblings Linda (Daniel) Anne Adamson, Anthony Albert Zitnik, and Joseph (Nancy) Howard Zitnik; and many nephews and nieces. After retiring from an almost 40-year nursing career, Chris and Doug moved to Alabama to be close to and provide support for his family. She lived happily in Alabama with her husband until her passing. Although she is no longer with us, her memory will be cherished always. She will be deeply missed, but her kind and loving nature will continue to serve as a guiding light to us all. The family requests that all donations be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate. The memorial service will be held in the Spring of 2024.

Mrs. Christine Mary Keiser

May 20, 1961 - December 13, 2023