Kari J Kopischke

Kari Joan Kopischke, age 27, of Minneapolis and formerly of Vernon Center, died Monday, June 19, 2006 at Fairview University Medical Center in Minneapolis.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 23, 2006 at St. Matthews Catholic Church in Vernon Center, with Rev. Tim Biren officiating. Burial will be in St. Matthews Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. on Thursday at Mankato Mortuary, with a 3:45 p.m. prayer service. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Guide Dogs for the Blind or donors choice.

Kari was born on August 13, 1978 in Mankato. She was the daughter of Earl and Donna (Weir) Kopischke. Kari was a 1997 graduate of Lake Crystal Welcome Memorial High School. She later graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2005 with a degree in psychology, public health, and counseling. Kari was employed with the Women of Nations in St. Paul. She was a member of St. Matthews Catholic Church in Vernon Center. Kari was a volunteer for Life Source and Planned Parenthood, a public speaker at the University of Minnesota, and a mentor to disabled children. She enjoyed playing cards, fishing, reading, dancing, attending softball games, and playing goalball.

Kari is survived by her mother, Donna Kopischke of Vernon Center; sister, Kim Kopischke of Eagan; special friend, Jesse Shirek of Minneapolis; her companion and guide dog, Amy; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and special friends and kidney donors, Peg Kelley of North Mankato and Lisa Hultgren of California and formerly of Lake Crystal.

She was preceded in death by her father, Earl in 1985; and grandparents, Harlin and Evelyn Weir, Fred and Sena Kopischke.

Kari inspired everyone she met with her wonderful optimism and love for life. Her energy was contagious and endless. Her amazing spirit filled everyone she met with joy and wonder. She was at peace with herself and life.