Krista Day

Krista Kay Day (nee Deibler) Age 59 of North Branch Formerly of White Bear Lake Krista was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on July 21, 1957, the daughter of Marilyn Dasch and Gerald “Buzz” Deibler. She was always very proud of being an Iowa girl, and would be sure to correct anyone who mistook her for being born in Minnesota! When she was younger, her family eventually made their way to North St. Paul, where she graduated from High School. Krista applied to work at Sambo's in St. Paul, where she met the love of her life, Gary H. Day. Gary was a cook, and he knew from the moment he saw her applying to be a waitress that he wanted to marry her. Fate would have its way, and the two were married in South St. Paul on May 7, 1977. They made their home in White Bear Lake where they raised their son, Nathan “Nate” Day. Krista retired from the 3M Company after more than 30 years, and thrived during her time at the company. While at 3M, she was able to attend Cardinal Stitch University where she excelled as a natural learner. She tested out of more than half her courses at CSU, got straight-A's in the rest (except for statistics...), and graduated with highest honors. Singing was one of Krista's best talents, and she proudly performed with the 3M Chorus for many years in their spring and Christmas programs. Nate remembers the time she stole the show with her spot-on impression of Cher singing “I Got You Babe”. Krista lived a life of love, laughter, fun, and generosity. She shared time with Gary every morning to connect over a pot (or two... or three...) of fresh-ground coffee, and she also cherished the countless hours they spent together on their pontoon during the warm summer months. Krista loved to watch Nate play hockey as he was growing up, and she was the most enthusiastic and loudest supporter in the stands season after season. In 2005, Krista and Gary bought a home in North Branch surrounded by nature where they planned to eventually retire. Nate met his future wife Amy later that year, and Krista immediately welcomed Amy to the family with warmth and kindness. Krista, Gary, Nate and Amy enjoyed several trips together as a family over the years; one of which was an unforgettable cruise to the Caribbean islands in 2009. For anyone who knew Krista, they also know how phenomenal of a hostess she was and how being hospitable was second nature to her. She always cooked way more food than was ever needed, and ensured the cooler was well stocked before it got loaded on the pontoon. She grew up cooking for a huge group of siblings, and she (thankfully) never got away from that habit. Both Krista and Gary retired to their peaceful home in North Branch in 2015, and enjoyed the past 8 months to the fullest. Two months ago, they took a trip out east to Washington DC and Pennsylvania to see landmarks, visit old friends, and visit family. Krista and Gary bought snowmobiles and snowshoes to pass the winter months, and continued their pontoon excursions right where they left off from the summer before: with Krista's nose in a book, and Gary fishing off the side of the boat with both of their lines. In March of this year, Krista was diagnosed with advanced-stage lung cancer. She faced the diagnosis with grace and a contagious positivity, and found comfort in the outpouring of support from her family and friends. Krista passed away peacefully on Monday, August 15, 2016, with her family by her side. She was preceded in death by her mother, Marilyn Lint, and her father, Gerald “Buzz” Deibler. She will be dearly missed by her husband of over 39 years, Gary Day of North Branch; her son, Nate (Amy) Day of Hugo; her siblings, Rodney Deibler of Ankeny, IA, Joni (Todd) Mostad of Shoreview, Londa (David Hepburn) Fabio of Coon Rapids, Lori Warner of Cedar Rapids, IA, John Crock of St. Paul Park, and Matthew Crock of Eagan; her dog, Sam; and she was known as “Aunt DeeDee” to many nieces, nephews, family and friends. There will be a gathering of family and friends from 2:00-4:00 PM on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake, with a service to celebrate her life at 4:00 PM. There will be a private interment for her family only at Lakeview Cemetery in Mahtomedi.