Karlys "Kari" Koens

Karlys Dawn Koens "Kari", 47 of Stewartville, passed away on November 2, 2018 at St. Marys Hospital as a result of an accident. Kari was born October 18, 1971 in Slayton, MN to Gerald and Marlys (Gortmaker) Koens. She was a graduate of Faith Christian in Rochester and went on to receive her bachelors degree from Trinity International University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Student Ministries. Kari was currently working as an administrative assistant in the nursing department at The Mayo Clinic, where she was also named the 2017 Wellness Champion. Kari had a huge love of animals and volunteered a lot of her time with Camp Companion and opened up her home as a foster to many animals in need. During her high school years, she volunteered at Covenant Park Bible Camp and once in college joined the staff at camp. Kari was kind with a caring and empathetic heart. She was full of joy, had a willingness to help others and was passionate in her beliefs and convictions. She was unshakeable. She was patriotic, had a love for people and a special heart for those who were hurting. Kari was a wise steward of her time, treasures and talents. She had a giving heart which even in death she gave of herself through the gift of life and organ donation. Kari is survived by her mother, Marlys Koens-Kool of Rochester; brothers, Kerry Koens of Wheeling, IL, Kendall (Andi) Koens of Rochester; nephews, Tyler, Trenton and Taylor Koens; nieces Natalie and Jillian Koens; step-siblings, Keith (Margo) Kool, Kendra (Phil) Gruszka, Kurt (Vicky) Kool, Karla (Stu) Dekkenga and numerous step-nieces and step-nephews. Kari was preceded in death by her father, Jerry; stepfather, Orville; niece, Bailey and both maternal and paternal grandparents. A funeral to celebrate Kari's life will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Autumn Ridge Church, 3611 Salem Rd. SW, Rochester, MN 55902. Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, November 9, 2018 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901 and one hour prior to the service at the church. Pastors Rod Marquette and Woody Roland will be officiating with interment at Grandview Memorial Gardens. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com