Kirsten Marie von Aulock

Kirsten Marie (Knudsen) von Aulock, 38, of Des Plaines, IL, passed away at her home on Friday, April 3, 2026. Kirsten was born at Resurrection Medical Center in Chicago to her loving parents, Jon and Anne-Judine (Suter) Knudsen and raised in Park Ridge along with her sister and brother. Always creative, musical and high achieving, Kirsten was a proud graduate of Mary Seat of Wisdom School and Resurrection College Prep. She attended Loyola University in Chicago, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Advertising/PR and a Master’s degree in Social Work.

Shortly after graduation, Kirsten married her high school sweetheart, Benedikt von Aulock on Oct 6, 2012. They settled in Des Plaines, where Kirsten pursued her passion for advocacy and education in Mental Health as a spokesperson for NAMI. A year later, work took Kirsten, Ben and baby to Houston, TX. In the course of their six years there, they welcomed three more children into the family. Motherhood, managing “Home Operations” and volunteering for Mental Health America kept life busy. Kirsten’s life was defined by her big heart. This continued when the family moved back to Des Plaines in 2020. Juggling her busy family life and work as a therapist, Kirsten was dedicated to helping others navigate their hardest moments. She appreciated being a substitute teacher and preschool aide at her children’s grade school, singing with the Threshold Singers and volunteering at The Moorings. Whether in a clinical setting, a classroom or retirement community, Kirsten was a champion for those she served.

Kirsten was witty, honest and kind. She loved to sing and dance. Her vibrant energy followed her everywhere. Kirsten loved family gatherings, her Norwegian heritage, spending time at the Summer cabins and being with friends. Her greatest role, however, was that of wife and mother to her four beautiful children over the past 13 years.

Kirsten is survived by her devoted husband, Benedikt Josef von Aulock; and her four children, Christine (12), Amelia (9), Kari (8), and Johnny (5). She is also survived by her parents, Jon and Anne-Judine Knudsen; her brother, Peter Knudsen; her sister, Mary Knudsen (Jim Johnson); and her 13 nieces and nephews, all of whom miss her deeply.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for the future education of Kirsten and Ben’s four children or to Mary, Seat of Wisdom School.

Visitation, Friday, April 24, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Closing Prayers, Saturday, April 25, 11:00 a.m., Nelson Funeral Home, 820 Talcott Rd. Park Ridge, Mass of Christian Burial, 12:00 p.m., St. Paul of the Cross Church, 320 S. Washington St. Park Ridge. Interment to follow at All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Des Plaines.

For information, 847-823-5122.