Kristeen Kaye Wright
May 13, 1954 - April 2, 2020
Kristeen Kaye Wright, age 65, of Salt Lake City died Thursday, April 2 at the Huntsman Cancer institute after a brief battle with cancer. Kristeen was born in Savanna, Illinois on May 13, 1954 to Raymond and Gladys (Vittitoe) Rieck. She was the tenth of thirteen children.
She graduated from Sabula, Iowa High School in 1972 and completed an accounting program at Salt Lake Community College in 1999. Kristeen married the love of her life, Daniel Carl Wright on June 3, 1972.
Kristeen worked for numerous companies in California and Utah, usually as an Accountant and Bookkeeper, including Ballet West, Odyssey Dance Theater, Cimarron Software and Atlas Bronze. Kristeen was also a Notary Public.
Kristeen had many interests and passions. She loved to read and garden, she backpacked the Sierra Nevada Mountains, she was a Competition Racing Driver at the Bonneville Salt Flats, and was the Fastest Female Competitor at the World of Speed Event in 2007. She was an accomplished home remodeler, a skilled mechanic, fabricator and welder. She along with her husband restored and Drag Raced various hot rods over many decades. Kris had a lifelong love of animals and enjoyed walking her faithful dogs, Buckwheat and Zena.
She is survived by her Husband Daniel Wright, and Brothers and Sisters, James Rieck (Jeanne), Rae Elene Terrock, Bruce Rieck (Carol), Dennis Rieck, Ramona Lohberg, Linda Rieck, Shelba VanHorn (David), Lanette Holmes (Roger), and Rhonda Pieper.
Due to the current Corona Virus Epidemic, we must postpone any gathering in remembrance of Kristeen’s life. Kristeen will be cremated at Starks Funeral Parlor here in Salt Lake City. When we can gather together safely, we will be scheduling a Celebration of Kristeen’s Life, here in Salt Lake City and also a Memorial Event in Sabula, Iowa, with interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Sabula Iowa. Please visit Kristeen's obituary page at www.starksfuneral.com for forthcoming service schedule and to share your memories and photos.
Daniel thanks all who have called, emailed and texted their love and support during this difficult time.
The family wishes to thank the medical staff at Huntsman Cancer Institute for their kindness in caring for Kristeen.
In Loving Memory
Thanks for always being there for my sister and my God bless during this time will see you when we all can be together love you
Thinking about you during this difficult time. Sending thoughts and prayers. Such a beautiful picture of Kris! She will be missed terribly.
God Bless Kris soul and she will be missed by many of us. Take care Dan.
Gone from our sight but will always be in our hearts. I feel your sorrow and sadness. I will miss her dearly. Your in our thoughts and prayers. Love Net and Roger
She was no "umbrella girl", the lady wore Nomex and a helmet, strapped in, and with canopy secure nailed the loud pedal. Kris had skin in the game and by deed and action once again slapped down the silly idea that motorsports was just for men. Speed machines respond to input not gender parts. My kinda gal pal, I salute her courage, driving skill and mourn with Dan over the loss of a kindred spirit. Per aspera ad astra
Your in my thoughts and prayers Dan. And to my dear sister Kris, you will be missed tremendously girl. May you forever rest in piece. Love you ����
KRIS - A true friend is a blessing and I will always treasure the many adventures we shared during your time in Ca. We never have fit the norm and that’s what made our friendship special. Kindred spirits always thinking outside the box. Dan please know you’re not alone and our friendship will continue. In my Jewish tradition I will say “ May her memory be a blessing.”
Kris was there for me at a dark time in my life. She became a dear friend and honorary auntie to my son. He’s too young to understand, but if he did, I know he too would be devastated, because he adored her. How could you not? Kris was unique, kind, open, and had this incredible ability to engage fully with others. I miss her deeply. Condolences to all who feel the same.
Kris was one of my favorite streamliner driver training students as she prepared to pilot her family racer down the salt flats, and we would eventually have the common experience of being upside down in those twin engined high speed machines. She was always committed to her quest for speed and gave her best efforts. Our condolences to all who will miss her dearly. Dan, our hearts go out to you at this difficult time. Tom Burkland and the 411 crew
I'm very sorry for your loss, Dan. Extending my most heartfelt sympathy to you during this difficult time.
In Loving Memory
