Alissa Vandendriessche

On August 24, 1992, Steve and Lisa were blessed to welcome their first of three daughters, Alissa Marie into the world. Her childhood, along with sisters, Kayla and Shauna, was happily spent on the farm, where she claimed she first developed her "hard work" ethic through doing chores, field work, and caring for the cattle and other animals. Alissa still enjoyed helping her dad with farm work whenever possible. School and her studies were also a very important priority. She attended Holy Redeemer School through 8th grade, where her mom continues to teach 4th grade. While at Marshall High school she participated in both swimming and speech. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2010. Her early work as a Certified Nursing Assistant helped her realize her desire to care for people and determined the career path she would take. Alissa continued to push and set ambitious personal goals for the rest of her life. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Concordia University, St. Paul with a Business Degree an emphasis in Human Resources and Healthcare Administration. She went on to build and share her talents of helping people at Xcel Energy, Fairview Health Services and most recently, Lifesprk. At Lifesprk, she earned a role as a Medical Talent Acquisition Manager and was in line to be a director. Her colleagues described her as, "A shining star who brought all members of the team together and also brought in the best of talent." This past spring she accomplished yet another goal for herself. She proudly graduated with her MBA, again with highest honors, from Concordia, St. Paul. Alissa possessed a keen business sense and desire to see others succeed. She used her unique skillset to help people polish their resumes, perfect their interview skills, and guide them in making connections through networking. Alissa's other passions included: her faith and learning more about God through Bible Study. She loved attending Christian and country music concerts, enjoying leisure time with family and friends at the lake. She also loved to travel and recently had a relaxing vacation in Hawaii visiting a friend. Alissa was the rock of her family and her beautiful smile always lit up a room. Alissa had a huge heart and she was always a generous gift-giver. She was a kind and caring person, beautiful both inside and out. Her contagious smile and laughter brought her family and friends infinite joy. Alissa's strength of character, fierce conviction to do good, and the ability to inspire others was always her priority and will not be forgotten. She will be dearly missed by so many people whom she touched and impacted in her short time here on earth. She will forever be a Heavenly Angel looking down and always guiding her family and friends. Love you forever, Alissa! Alissa died unexpectedly and peacefully at her residence in St. Louis Park on Sunday, February 9, 2020. She is survived by her parents, Steve and Lisa Vandendriessche of Marshall, sisters Kayla, of St. Louis Park, and Shauna, of Mankato, grandparents Willis and Donna Kurtenbach of Brandt, SD and Dorothy Vandendriessche of Marshall, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Robert and Rosemary Vandendriessche, cousin Ryan Poss, and close friend Jake Strobel. Memorials are preferred to Holy Redeemer School and the HRS Kindness Crew.