Christie Suerth Kornhoff, age 78, passed peacefully on December 8th, 2023. She was born in Chicago, IL to Ray & Evelyn Suerth. She moved to and raised her family in Elkhorn, WI, where her childhood summer home was. Chris was known for her incredible strength, work ethic, and independence, but will be missed because of the endless love, grace, and support she gave her family and friends. She treasured her sister, Dianne Elias, children, Scott Kornhoff & Mandi Kosmicki, and their families, Megan, Elliott, and sons. With ongoing health issues, her only wish was her four grandsons (Michael, James, Cason & Ryon) would be old enough to remember her and her wish came true. She was lovingly called Grandma Yoo-hoo, as when the boys weren't listening, she would repeat "Yoo-hoo!" until she got their attention. Even though she never started a water fight in the house like her mom did, she never turned down a walk, a story, an ear to listen, or a shoulder to cry on.

From Scott: My mom was a tough lady who I butted heads with a lot growing up but she never gave up on me. In hindsight, I'm thankful for those hard times as they grew my respect for her. It took some time, but our relationship changed from strained to one of mutual appreciation and admiration, with daily morning calls filled with sarcasm and humorous bickering. Now that I don't have her to call at 6 am, I guess I have to call my sister.

From Mandi: Scott and I gave our mom plenty of reasons to worry (her favorite thing to do) throughout her life. Scott way more than me, of course. She was my first call when something was hard because she always knew exactly what to say and do. She let me cry, scream, curse, and then reassured me that "this too shall pass". And it always did. I know the pain of her loss will eventually lessen, but for now I will let every tear that falls be a reminder of the incredible love and respect I had for my mom.

The hardest losses for her were her parents and the love of her life, Sig, who we have no doubt was sitting beside her at the end. One of her favorite singers was Jimmy Buffett, who had a timely passing to start the party for her. Enjoy the dance, Mom!

We are respecting her wishes to not have a funeral. She would like to be "remembered as she was…not dead." We know we are not the only ones feeling this loss, as we have a wonderful family and she was surrounded by incredible friends. Please find peace in knowing how much you meant to her through every up and down of life. We are so thankful to family and friends who supported and loved on her and us in her final days and will continue to walk with us through the hard days. There is no better gift you can give than that.

If you do wish to make a donation, please consider Agrace Foundation, 5395 E Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. Everyone at Agrace in Janesville went above and beyond to make sure she and her family were comfortable and at peace every minute of her time with them.

Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory of Elkhorn, WI, is honored to serve the Kornhoff family. Online condolences can be made at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com

Agrace Hospice Care
5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison WI 53711