Jeresek named 2025 Quilter of the Year

The Kootenai Valley Quilt Guild is proud to announce its 2025 Quilter of the Year, Kriss Jeresek. 

Kriss is an avid quilter, always ready to share her knowledge and talents. She is one of the original Guild members and designed the Guild logo.

Kriss is originally from Minnesota and moved to Libby from Arizona in 1979. Prior to retiring, she worked at the Montana Department of Health and Human services and taught part time at Flathead Valley Community College.

She is also actively involved in Ducks Unlimited and showing in various horse events. She was formerly active in Turner Mountain Ski Patrol, coaching numerous girls’ sports, and running marathons.

Kriss learned to sew from her mom and 4H. Her mother was a wonderful seamstress. She made a quilt top when she was a teenager, but never finished it. Kriss eventually completed the quilt, which will be on display at the quilt show. 

Her maternal grandmother was an avid quilter; Kriss helped her to hand quilt a family heirloom which will also be on display in September. Kriss began quilting with friends when she and Jon lived in a small town in Arizona, where quilting was a favorite pastime. 

Her first project was a friendship quilt, with a block contributed by each group member. She continues to enjoy the fun, challenge and joy of completing a project, many of which have been donated to the guild’s community service projects. 

New fabrics and techniques keep her motivated to continue to improve her art. She enjoys being a part of the quilt guild, which she calls a wonderful community of devoted quilters who are always ready to share their knowledge and expertise. She has also developed many enduring friendships through the guild.

Many of Kriss’ outstanding quilts will be on display at the KVQG Quilt Show to be held Sept. 5-6 at the Memorial Center. The show will also include a special display of ruby quilts to celebrate the Guild’s Ruby Anniversary.