Kristina Navarro obituary: UW-Platteville Mourns the Untimely Passing of Athletic Director Kristina Navarro at 39.
In an official statement, the university conveyed the heartbreaking news and expressed profound grief over losing a cherished community member.
Dr. Tammy K. Evetovich, the university’s Chancellor, revealed that Kristina was pregnant at the time of her passing, further intensifying the shock and sadness that enveloped the UW-Platteville community.
In her third year as the Director of Athletics and Assistant Chancellor at UW-Platteville, Navarro-Krupka fulfilled teaching duties for five university courses.
Additionally, she played a pivotal role in coordinating the graduate program in sports administration.
Before her tenure in Platteville, she was Senior Associate Athletic Director for Leadership Development and Strategic Partnerships at Rutgers University in New Jersey.
Her extensive experience includes roles in athletic departments at UW-Madison, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, the University of Oklahoma, and UW-Whitewater.
Navarro spent her formative years in Madison and graduated from UW-La Crosse in 2006.
Subsequently, she obtained her master’s degree in sports administration from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2009.
Her academic journey culminated with a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy analysis from UW-Madison in 2012.
Tributes Pour In for Dr. Kristina Navarro
Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich shared the unexpected news of Navarro-Krupka’s passing, revealing that it occurred during her pregnancy.
Evetovich described Navarro-Krupka as “an enthusiastic champion” for the entire university, particularly emphasizing her dedication to the student-athletes, coaches, and athletic staff.
“I offer my condolences to her husband Nick, her family, her friends and the many, many people she impacted during her time at UW-Platteville. She will be greatly missed.”
Likewise, Chris McIntosh, Director of Athletics for the Wisconsin Badgers, conveyed his condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Navarro-Krupka.
Highlighting the positive relationship, McIntosh mentioned the Badgers’ training camp at UW-Platteville this summer.
Head Coach Luke Fickell also shared his appreciation, noting that his staff cherished the experience and the unique environment outside of Madison.
Kristina Navarro Obituary And Death Cause
On Saturday, November 18, 2023, Kristina Marie Navarro-Krupka, aged 39, and her daughter, Karina Maria Krupka, peacefully departed from this world due to natural causes.
Kristina is survived by her husband, Nick; father, Michael (Debbie Fairweather) Meissen; brother, Brad (Lauren) Meissen; sister, Katelyn (Jake) Keller; grandmothers, Mary Erickson and Patricia (Steve Aronson) Meissen; grandfather, Marvin (Patty-Lee) Meissen.
She is preceded in death by her beloved mother, Karen Ellen Meissen; her grandfather, Donald Erickson; her aunt, Kristin Erickson; and her father and mother-in-law, Norbert and Mary Ann Krupka.
On Monday, November 27, 2023, a Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled to take place at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m.
It will be officiated by Father William Nolan. Following the service, burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park.
Visitation hours are planned at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison.
The time is set from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 26, 2023, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the commencement of the Mass on Monday.
Instead of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Dr. Navarro-Krupka’s name, providing an opportunity for those wishing to honor her memory.