Kari Andel

Kari Michelle Andel, 44, of Breckenridge, MN, passed away after a long battle with cancer on Wednesday, June 19, 2019. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Monday, June 24, 2019, with visitation one hour prior to the service at Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge. Rene Hasbargen will be officiating.

Kari was born in Breckenridge, MN, on November 30, 1974, to Harvey and Susan (Mehl) Andel. She grew up and attended school in Breckenridge, later graduating from Breckenridge High School in 1993. Following her graduation, she attended North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton, and Alexandria Technical Institute, Alexandria, MN, to pursue a degree in law enforcement. Kari worked for Interstate Engineering before being married in 2001. From this marriage, she was blessed with two children-Jefri and Dusty. Despite enjoying her time as a stay-at-home mom, once her children were old enough and began school, Kari began working at an elementary school in Jamestown. For a short time, Kari lived in Fargo, ND, before returning to Breckenridge where she has since resided.

Incredibly talented and artistic, Kari used her creativity to put together different crafts and sold her creations on eBay. Weekend adventures typically looked like going to garage sales and craft sales to find treasures to add to her collection. She adored her pets, was a huge Trump supporter and enjoyed fishing. Although her life had circumstances and trials that she had to overcome every day, she was never one to want sympathy. Even in sickness, she was always willing to help others and make them laugh; Kari had a quick sense of humor and spoke what was on her mind. Her love for her children and dog, Abbie, was overflowing and her presence as a mother, daughter, sister, and friend will be greatly missed.

Kari is survived by her children, Jefri and Dusty; father, Harvey Andel, Breckenridge; siblings, Brenda (Doug) Koppelman, Mark (Jody Ourenhagen) Andel, and Brad (Jessica) Andel, all of Breckenridge; special friends, Jon Hegge and Jeff Ellingson; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Susan Andel.

A special thank you to Sara Blaufuss and Amanda Buckhouse at CHI- Health at Home and Hospice for the outstanding care given to Kari.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge.