Kristin Kefer

Kristin was born August 2, 1960, in Schwaz, Austria to Lony and Rudolf Kabusch. She was their first daughter, second child, and a bundle of joy the moment she came home. Nestled in the Alps, she grew up in Lanersbach with her four siblings attending Volkschule locally.

At the age of 10 she attended Hauptschule in Mayrhofen, a 14 km ride down the steep mountain. Here she made the first of many life-long friends, a recurring theme within her life. After Mayrhofen, Kristin’s schooling took her to Innsbruck for Gymnasium and Tourism College. A memorable moment from her dorm life was being able to look out of her window and see the 1976 Olympic ski jump every day.

Her passion for hospitality and travel led her to apply to Swissair. While being fluent in German, French, and English; it was recommended she take a year to Au Pair to hone in on her English skills and have them be at the same caliber as her German and French.

Thus, her adventure to America began. With a school friend from Kufstein in 1982, a 22-year-old Kristin arrived in Sun Valley, ID. The prominent community of Austrian, German, and Swiss-speaking quickly became a second home, fostering many lifelong friendships.

Not long after arriving she caught the eye of fellow Austrian Günter and a romance quickly ensued. She spoiled him with delicious home cooked meals and the two moved in together a few years later.

In the summer of 1988 their daughter Kira was born and a whole new world of joy began. She and Günter married shortly after in 1989.

As a family they would spend summers in Austria visiting family and friends, enjoy weekends at the local lakes - Alturas being a favorite, and relax every Christmas together on the beach in Baja, Mexico.

In 2001 Günter passed away and Kristin became a single parent - facing one of the most challenging periods of her life: raising a teenage daughter. She did so with fierce love, grace, and the mental fortitude of a saint, as the next few years were no Kuchen walk between her and Kira.

In 2008 Kristin met Jeronimo and would find love, laughter, and comfort again. In true Kristin form, she wooed Jeronimo with her famous Apfelstrudel. They were married on their favorite day in 2009. Together, they created countless memories, including a shared passion for traveling.

She was surrounded by family when she passed on March 29, 2025. She is preceded in death by her mother and father (Lony & Rudolf), her two brothers (Peter & Hannes), and her first Husband (Günter). She is survived by her daughter (Kira), brother (Mike), sister (Barbara), and second husband (Jeronimo).

She will be deeply missed by her friends and family.

Kristin’s funeral will be Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 4pm at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Ketchum, ID. A private, family ceremony will occur grave-side where she will be laid to rest in Hailey, ID.