Kriss Loftus

It's with heavy hearts and many joyous memories we share the passing of Kriss Loftus in Carol Stream, IL on July 5th, 2024 at the age of 66. 

Kriss filled the room with her smile and laughter. She was at the center of her family and friends. Her loss is felt by anyone who was lucky enough to have known her.

Kriss is survived by her husband, Tim Loftus, her daughter, Tara Jade Pietz and partner Alex Mharcei, step-children, Tim Loftus Jr. and partner Lauren Divico, Kris Berger, and Brent Loftus and his wife Brittany, grandchildren, Kelsey, Peyton, Brogan and Brennen, as well as ex-husbands, Mark Sankey and Michael Pietz. Kriss is also survived by her siblings, Jack, Jill, and Tom, and their children. She's preceded in death by her grandmother, LaVerne Scherkenbach, parents, Lew and Jacquelyn Handeland, and sister, Bonnie and her husband Jerry.

An inspiration to her students, Kriss graduated from New Berlin West High School, earned both Bachelors (Carroll College) and Masters (Aurora University) degrees, and taught for 29 years at Waukesha Crossroads and both Aurora, and Carol Stream school districts.

Always happy hour, she lived up to her nickname “Cocktail Kriss” by sharing stories from her life and listening with an open heart. She lived a full life by surrounding herself with family and friends in both Illinois and Wisconsin, where she enjoyed summers at the lake with her best friend, Robin Toth.

Family, friends, and students are welcome to attend and are encouraged to share their favorite stories at the memorial services at the Bruskiewitz Funeral Home, 5355 W. Forest Home Ave., in Milwaukee, on Friday, July 19th, 2024 from 3-6 PM.