Kristen Allen

On a beautiful September evening, the sun set on a life and rose to new life. Kristen Lee Carpenter Allen, 52, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, September 14, 2023 at Sanford Health, Fargo, ND.  A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm., September 26th, at Hidden River Acres, 901 4th Ave NW, Jamestown, ND 58401.

Kristen was born to Richard ‘Dick’ and Bonita ‘Bonnie’ (Rezac) Carpenter on November 3, 1970. She was raised in Park Rapids, Minnesota.  She played alto saxophone and participated in basketball, and track and field until graduating from Park Rapids High School in 1989.  After graduating high school, she went on to earn her degree in Travel Business – Travel and Tourism, from Interstate Business College in 1993.

Kristen, known as “Kristie” to her community in Minnesota, relished in times spent with her family and friends at the cabin on Potato Lake.  She thrived in her childhood friendships, especially ones that carried into adulthood.  She often spoke of cherished memories working at the Logging Camp and Y Steak House, as well as spending time at her mother’s salon, Bon Sheri, and tagging along with her father while he announced sporting events.  Her dad also coached her in track and field, too! Kristen spoke highly of her hometown and was proud of where she came from.

While attending college in Moorhead, she met Lance, and later married in 1993.  During their marriage, summers were spent harvesting. Kristen not only provided a “home away from home” for her family, but also for hired hands that flew from other countries around the world to work during harvest.  Many grew close to her and felt grateful for Kristen’s sense of home and famous home cooking.  Kristen and Lance lived in many places, such as Fargo and Grand Forks, until they finally settled in Jamestown where they raised their family.  Together, they had three children – Elizabeth ‘Libbie’ (1995), Cooper (2002) and Tucker (2008).  Kristen’s heart and soul were invested in her children from the moment she became a mother.  She was a stay-at-home mom for many years, taking pride in having the ability to spend time with her children.  She was actively involved in the James River Figure Skating Club and was considered a mentor and friend.  “Mama K” to many, she loved each skater as if they were her own.  She was also actively involved in the Jamestown Hockey Club and made many connections with parents and families in Jamestown, and the different cities that she traveled to cheer on both of her sons.  There was never a competition, tournament or game missed.  Kristen proudly stood in the stands for any passion and accomplishment that her children had.  She never missed an opportunity to express the love she had for her children or brag about their accomplishments.

Kristen experienced a new form of love when her granddaughter, Lylah, was born.  She was definitely proud to have her new title as “grandma” and took many shopping trips to TJ MAXX, determined to find the most adorable outfits.  She loved to spoil her granddaughter and loved watching her grow.  Kristen’s love for Lylah was evident and grew stronger with each get together.  She reveled in getting to show new pictures of Lylah to all of her friends.

Kristen was admired by many people throughout her life.  She had a fun-loving personality – it was contagious.  She knew how to have a good time and was unapologetically herself.  She looked forward to sharing laughs and drinking wine with those she cherished most.  She had such a beautiful and genuine laugh!  She loved to love people and never missed an opportunity to make a friend.  She quite effortlessly had the ability to turn a stranger into a friend within minutes of meeting.  She was always quick to give a tight hug for comfort or a lending hand to those in need, and almost always put others before herself.  She had a passion for helping others and felt she exemplified it most while employed at Anytime Fitness.  She had a true gift of connecting with her clients and helping them achieve their goals; whether it be fitness or personal.

Kristen will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, kind heart and her ability to make people feel seen.  She will desperately be missed by all those left behind.  Our hearts are broken by this unexpected loss.  She was one of a kind and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed.

She is survived by the father of her children, Lance; her daughter, who is a testament to her unwavering kindness, Elizabeth Grace (Shane); her son, who is proof of her steadfast spirit, Cooper John (Lex); and her littlest, who is evidence of her sweetness, Tucker Eugene. Her three children are truly her legacy of love.  She is survived by her loving father, Dick Carpenter; beloved sister, Shelly (Greg) Erickson; adored niece and nephew, Sam Erickson and Sarah Erickson; cherished granddaughter Lylah; and many special aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, all of whom she had important relationships with.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Katie Lynn Carpenter; mother, Bonnie Carpenter; grandparents, Frank and Julianna (Wald) Rezac, and Vivian and Alice Carpenter; her cherished dog, Harper; and several family members and friends.

Even in her passing, she gave the ultimate gifts. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family prefers memorials to be sent in her memory to: https://www.life-source.org/giving/make-a-gift/

“Always willing to help others when she herself should be at rest, she was the kindest of all mothers, now amongst us she rests”.