Christina N. Lanckriet

Christina Noel Wilkins Lanckriet of Julesburg, CO, died March 11, 2025, at Sedgwick County Memorial Hospital. She was the second child born to Ronald and Belinda (Beanie) Yakel Wilkins. She entered this new world in the hospital two blocks from her future home in a big snowstorm. The two-block trip was difficult to maneuver due to several inches of snow and drifts. She was as determined to be born as her parents' determination to reach the hospital. Her birth occurred too fast for her lungs to handle and Christi had some difficulty in the beginning. This was the first indication of the strong determination Christi would need to have for the rest of her life.

Christi was always ready for a challenge. At 8 months old, she was walking and talking soon after. She felt the need to keep up with her sister Brandy, who was two years older. Brandy had a small two-wheel bike with training wheels. Apparently, Christi was not satisfied with her little trike. Her mother went to check on the girls playing in the driveway and discovered 18-month-old Christi riding her sister's bike.

Christi often had an ornery twinkle in her big, beautiful eyes. Her parents knew to be on the lookout for mischievous behavior. She had a gorgeous smile, but it did not keep her out of trouble!

Christi became a big sister when Veronica was born three years later. She scared her parents when she came carrying Ronni with a death grip around Ronni's neck. She was concerned that Ronni was crying and her parents were not taking care of the situation.

Christi's heart was always open to animals, and they responded to her love in kind. At the tender age of three, she welcomed her first horse, Sam, a spirited Shetland pony. This was just the beginning of her lifelong bond with equines.

Christi's school years were marked by her love for sports. She was a fierce competitor in volleyball, basketball, and track, pouring her heart into each game. Her talent extended beyond the field, as she also had a knack for art. In her senior year, she selflessly assisted her art teacher, Don Waldron, during his illness.

Christi became involved in 4-H at age eight until she was 19. Animals were, of course, her first love: horses, cattle, and sheep. She left the pigs for her little sister. To appease her mother, she also participated in sewing and cooking-not her love.

Christi attended the University of Northern Colorado, studying Kinesiology/CIS. During her freshman year, she was diagnosed as a Type-1 diabetic. This disease plagued her for the remainder of her life.

Christi also attended the University of Nebraska/Kearney, studying Nutrition with an emphasis on Diabetes.

Christ was united in marriage to Garrett Lanckriet on August 20, 1994. To this union, four children were born: Christian Jerrod, Tristan Walker, Aspen Rose, and Autumn Rayne. Christi, Garrett, and Christian lived in Littleton, CO, while Garett attended Arapaho Community College. This is the only time Christi lived away from Julesburg. While there, Christi was employed by Evergreen Park and Recreation Center.

She worked as Lifeguard and Aquatics Instructor and Director at the Julesburg Swimming Pool during her early married life.

Christi became very active in breeding German Shepherd dogs. She developed an outstanding reputation as a German Shepherd breeder and trainer in the USCA Show-United Schutzhund Clubs of America. She was a leading competitor in many competitions in Germany. She competed under the Adel Haus German Shepherd moniker.

During this period, Christi had several horses, which she trained, and her children to compete in horse events.

Christi was also employed as an Office Manager at Julesburg Optical Clinic. She loved the clients there.

Christi later married Jonathon Eeckhout on January 4, 2014. Troy Alexander was born during this time.

Christi struggled with Diabetes her entire life, often reminding those around her of the challenges it brought. Despite the difficulties, she faced each day in her own way, navigating the ups and downs as best as she could. Her journey was not always easy, but it was undeniably hers, marked by perseverance and a determination to live on her terms.

Survivors include her husband Jon; children Christian Lanckriet and wife Skyler, Tristan Lanckriet and wife Taylor, Aspen, Autumn, and Troy; her mother and stepfather, Beanie and Roger Ohnesorg; sisters Brandy (John) Pontious and Ronni Wilkins/Thadd Corlett; grandmother Maxine Goldsmith; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Christi was preceded in death by her father, Ronald Wilkins; stepfather, Gary Obermier; grandfather, Bryce Wilkins; and grandmother, Mollie Yakel.

A memorial has been established in Christina's memory to Diabetes Research, and contributions may be sent to Beanie Ohnesorg at 16132 Road 14, Chappell, NE 69129. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsulesburg.com, where the service will be live-streamed.

Christi's Celebration of Life will be on March 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at The Well of Hope in Julesburg, with Pastor Larry Nail officiating. No inurnment is planned.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Julesburg is in charge of arrangements.