Services for Kristi Lynn Burik, 69, of Lawrence will be at 2 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2025, at Trinity Episcopal Church.
Ms. Burik died with her daughters by her side on December 30, 2024, after bravely battling ALS.
She was born June 2, 1955, in Platteville, Wisconsin, the daughter of Martin and Janice Burik. Their family moved around the Midwest before settling in Ottawa, KS, in 1969. Kristi graduated from Ottawa High School in 1973 and attended Baker University and the University of Kansas, earning a bachelor’s degree in music education in 1977. She was a singer, dancer and actress – performing at Worlds of Fun and touring with the Baker Playmen theater troupe.
She married Michael Glenn Willhite on December 23, 1978. They lived in Lyndon, KS, and Manhattan, KS, where Kristi taught music, directed shows and performed in productions at Vassar Playhouse, Kansas State University and Manhattan Civic Theater. Kristi was diagnosed with bone cancer while Mike was simultaneously undergoing treatment for kidney cancer. She underwent multiple surgeries to replace the cancerous bones in her leg with an internal prosthesis and was eventually declared cancer free. While she subsequently required the use of crutches, a wheelchair or walker, those close to her know that this never slowed her down. Mike’s cancer progressed and Kristi cared for him until his death in 1988 at age 35.
She moved to Lawrence with their daughters in 1990 where she completed a master’s degree in social work from the University of Kansas in 1992. While balancing school, work, activities and volunteering, Kristi lovingly raised her daughters – encouraging their interests, instilling their love of music and creating a deep, unbreakable bond. She worked as an elementary school counselor at Deerfield Elementary School for seven years and taught English at Southwest Middle School for 13 years, touching the lives of thousands of students before her retirement after 32 years in education.
Kristi survived a stroke and gracefully endured other hardships, including her devastating diagnosis with ALS in 2024, while holding strongly to her eternal optimism. Whether performing in the Foundation Follies, choreographing the Lawrence Children’s Choir, singing with the choir at Trinity Episcopal Church or directing her beloved grandchildren in a backyard production, the world was truly her lifelong stage.
Survivors include her parents, Jan and Marty Burik, Baldwin, KS; two daughters, Katie Willhite Young, De Soto, KS, and Betsy Willhite Ostrander (Chris), Lawrence, KS; two sisters, Kim Burik Jordan, Tampa, FL, and Julie Burik, Leawood, KS; a brother, Jeff Burik, Plattsburg, MO; and grandchildren Connor Young, Annie Young, Shepherd Young, Marty Ostrander and Will Ostrander – as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, close family members and dear friends.
Kristi requested cremation. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 31, 2 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1011 Vermont Street in Lawrence, with reception to follow. The service will be live streamed at: https://www.facebook.com/TrinityLawrenceKS. Private interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the DKG scholarship fund for women in education, Lawrence Children’s Choir, American Cancer Society or ALS Association.
Love here singing at church when I was little
Katie, Betsy, and the entire Burik and Willhite families; I extend my sincere condolences and my prayers of comfort to you all as you go through this difficult time. I finished writing down my own personal life story in Storyworth just a few months ago as a Christmas present to my own children. I devoted a full chapter about Kristi and the life lessons she taught me while we were neighbors in Kansas back in the late 80’s. We truly lived just down the block from one another. I was with Kristi the day she said “I am worried about Mike” and then through her own diagnoses not that long after Mike’s diagnosed when he was at NIH. We shared many deep conversations during this time and I learned so much. I’ve never met someone who could always look for the hope and beauty in the world when their own lives were such a struggle. She truly was an eternal optimist with the most radiant smile, bright eyes and beautiful voice. This world was blessed because Kristi was such a bright part of it. Katie and Betsy, and the rest of the family, my thoughts are with you. I do believe and it does bring me some comfort, that Kristi is back with Mike now, the true love of her life. Sincerely, Elaine
Sending love to you at this time. I had a wonderful conversation with Kristi in June. I have fond memories of our times together.
We met Kristi when she was a school counselor at Deerfield. My children, Thomas and Sarah, have very fond memories of her. She was always so kind and supportive of all of the students. She will be greatly missed.
Kristi was a very strong woman who did not allow her challenges to define her. She was an amazing mother, friend, and talented artist. May God grant her a place in his kingdom. – Adeyanju Family
I met Kristi when she was in her first practicum as a social work student. Her calming presence and caring spirit was evident to everyone she encountered. She received the “Margo Gordon” award that year as the outstanding social work student for her work and dedication during her practicum. She was most proud of her daughters and the women they would become.
I worked with Kristi at Southwest for 8+ years. She always had a smile on her face, and love for her students and colleagues. She dealt with life’s challenges with vigorous determination, but also with a grace that few could. She has always expressed great love for, and pride in, her daughters. Katie, Betsy, and family, may you be blessed with peace, comfort, and with many wonderful memories from a life well-lived. Take care.
Kristi so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I never saw her without a smile on her face and always her kindness and caring of others.
My dear sweet cousin my heart is breaking. I will always keep you and all our memories in my heart. You are one of the best people I have ever met, cousin or no cousin. Love you now and always!
I’m so sorry to hear of Ms. Burik’s passing. She was such a sweet and wonderful lady. A fantastic teacher as well. I had her for English and Advisory class when I was in 8th grade at Southwest but I knew her at the time as Mrs. Laing. She was a beautiful lady and had a great singing voice and I remember when she played the guitar and sang one time. She also baked some of the best cookies ever. She even let me help push her in her wheelchair a few times when I was her student. I also will miss talking music with her too. I’m truly going to miss this beautiful lady. My thoughts and condolences are with the family at this difficult time.
Kristi was an amazing person, my personal friend, colleague, actor, friend – always a good friend. I’ve had such respect for her in all her endeavors, her work, her darling children her many surgeries and her ALS. I think it is fair to say she has been a truly courageous role model for all of us who have had the privilege of knowing Kristi. Rest in peace, Dear Lady!
Oh, Kristi, you had SUCH strength and heart, and you sure raised two amazing young ladies!! I enjoyed teaching with you at SWMS and performing with you in the Follies. Katie and Betsy, you’ve been through a LOT. It isn’t easy losing your momma. ❤️
I first met Kristi as we were both young moms in Welcome Wagon in 1990. I was lucky enough to be her colleague at SWMS for many years. She was a beautiful human inside and out.
My heart is aching at this horrible news, words cannot express the pain I feel. We had a special bond through the theater, I will miss her beautiful spirit. God be with you, Katie and Betsy.
I met Kristie when she choreographed the dancers in the musical Oklahoma in 1978ish at ottawa high school. I believe she had been in a horrible accident before that and had physical challenges at that point and I remember her positivity and that she was such a bright light, always encouraging and constantly wore a big smile. That’s the only time I was around her, almost 50 years ago, and I remember her so fondly. My sympathies to her family—I bet she was a great Mom, wife, sister, daughter and friend.
I am so saddened to hear this. My first remembrance of Kristi was as a munchkin in awe of Dorothy. Our shared love of Musical Theatre kept our paths crossing through the years. Our community has lost a delightfully kind and generous soul. My prayers go out to her family!
I worked with Kristi at SWJH. Kristi was such a positive person and always saw potential in students. Although we only knew each other for a short time, she has truly touched my life. She has overcome so much with grace until the end.
It was so wonderful to connect with Kristi again while I worked at the Baldwin Library. We met in junior high and sat next to each other playing French horn. Kristi was a beautiful person inside and out. Her smile could light up the room. My condolences to all of you.
Sending my deepest condolences for your family! I pray you have lots of beautiful memories too hold close to you and comfort you at this time! Love and many hugs!
What a beautifully worded tribute for your Mom, Katie and Betsy.🌹My heart is with you all. She was a vibrant presence in this old world., and I will miss her terribly.🌹🙏
love always,
Linda and John Uthoff
Manhattan, KS