Kristen Elizabeth Ling

Kristen E. Ling, beloved daughter, mother, partner, and friend, passed away on March 28, 2026, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer. She was 45 years old.

Kristen was a strong, resilient, and deeply caring woman whose presence left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her.

She faced life’s challenges with determination and grace, even in the face of overwhelming illness. Through it all, she remained surrounded by love.

Born on January 31, 1981, Kristen brought light, laughter, and strength into the lives of her family and friends. She shared a special bond with her parents, Susan Krueger and Tom Ling and was deeply loved by those closest to her. Her life was defined not by the struggles she endured, but by the love she gave and the connections she built.

Kristen will be remembered for her strength, her heart, and the way she made others feel seen and cared for – this was true in her personal life, and her professional life. One of Kristen’s superpowers was her ability to anticipate other people’s needs and take action to support those needs, and she made a career of it. In her most recent career move, she was the Chief of Staff at Jord BioScience, where she oversaw HR and executive administrative duties, caring for a team of people and helping a company grow from the ground up.  Her knack for nurturing and serving others has led to ripple effects at work and at home.

Even in her most difficult moments, she showed courage that inspired those around her. She knew how to handle hard things – whether it was a complex work-related topic, or a seemingly impossible personal situation – she took things head-on with grace, kindness, gratitude, courage, and just the right dose of sassiness and humor at just the right time. She had a way of pushing us all to grow or see a new perspective, to be grateful, and to enjoy life. She was an inspiration.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, who we take comfort in knowing welcomed her with open arms.

Kristen is survived by Susan and Don Krueger of Aurelia, Iowa; Tom Ling and JoAnn Boggs of Usk, Washington; her beloved son, Koy; her devoted boyfriend, Kris, who remained by her side, including at the time of her passing; her brothers, Aaron of Glenwood, Iowa, and Tyler of Johnson City, Tennessee; step brother, Jerel (Cristina) Krueger of Des Moines, IA; step sister, Melissa (Chris) Bunney of Littleton, CO, along with several nieces and nephews, and many other family members and friends who will carry her memory forward with love and pride.

A celebration of Kristen’s life will be held on May 4, 2026, Lutheran Church of Hope 925 Jordon Creek Pkwy – West Des Moines, IA at 11am. A second celebration of life will be held on October 10, 2026, in the Alta/Aurelia area, with additional details forthcoming. 

In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society, Make a Wish foundation or the Animal Shelter of your Choice.

Kristen, you were deeply loved, and you always will be. Your strength, your heart, and your love for your family and

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kristen Elizabeth Ling, please visit our floral store.