Kari N. Wagner

Kari N. Wagner, age 44 of Golden Valley passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 13 at North Memorial Hospital. Kari was born on April 13, 1976 in Waconia, MN.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Nicholas J. and Eileen A. Wagner and grandmother Geri Kliner, aunts and uncles Kathleen Kliner, Robert (Bobby) Kliner, Dennis Kliner, Marilyn Kliner and cousin, Chad Kliner. She is survived by her loving parents, Gary Nicholas and Nancy Carol Wagner (Plymouth, MN) and grandfather Elmer L. Kliner (Warren, MN) and several aunts, uncles, and cousins along with her god-parents, life-long friend, Marnee D. Shepard and several other close friends. Kari’s family would like to acknowledge her housemates and dear friends of 17 years: Kelly, Kristen, and Sarah as well as all of the staff at the ACR home known as Valder’s—home of the Diva’s ! Without the loving care Kari received at her home, she would not have been able to fulfill her dream of living independently. The family would also like to recognize Children’s Hospitals & Clinics of MN, Gillette Children’s Hospital, Bassett Creek Dental, Courage Kenney Center, Michael Dowling School, Robbinsdale School District 281, her classroom assistant Jean Aslakson & family, Intermediate School District 287, Rise, Inc., Danelle Griner (Art Coach for 16 years), and all of the care staff from ACR (Acceptance, Communication, and Respect) Homes, Inc. who have assisted Kari and her housemates in her home by enriching Kari’s life through medical treatment & rehabilitation, formal education, innumerable social experiences, independent living and employment opportunities as well as building life-long friendships.

Kari graduated from Armstrong Senior High School (Plymouth, MN) in 1996. While in high school she participated in several school activities including art-related courses and adapted athletics (soccer, hockey & softball). After high school she began working in the Data Ability Department at Courage Center (Golden Valley, MN) which, in 2003 was acquired by Rise, Inc. and was relocated to its present site in Crystal, MN. Kari continued working there as a Data Entry Clerk until her death. Through an art therapy program at Courage Center, Kari began her passion for painting in 1993 learning how to paint using a specially adapted head-gear that would hold her paintbrush in position so her head movements could direct her brush strokes. She became adept in the use of water color and acrylic paints and, in 2007, introduced her art work on her own personal website www.kariwagner-artwork.com . As a result, she had a tremendous impact on art enthusiasts and artists like her in the local disability community. She had a deep love for the Lord and it was her deep faith that carried her through the many challenges of her life. She participated in a Bible study group for adults with disabilities at her church as well as a weekly study with her Godmother, Sandy; she was always willing to share her testimony openly. Kari will be missed greatly by all of those whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, we’re asking family and friends to bring “fresh cut” lilacs to the visitation to fill the room with Kari’s favorite fragrance. We would also like family and friends to submit a preprinted or hand-written favorite memory or story about Kari for a master memory book. Finally, we’re asking friends to make a donation in Kari’s memory to their favorite charity or to one of Kari’s favorite charities: Children’s Hospitals & Clinics of MN, Gillette Children’s Hospital, Courage Center, Rise Inc. or The Grove Church in Maple Grove, MN.

Visitation 4 PM - 9 PM Tuesday and 10 am to 2 PM Wednesday at Gearty-Delmore Chapel of Plymouth, 15800 37 ^th Ave. N. Because of the current limitations on social gatherings allowing no more than 10 people to gather, please click here to sign up for a 15 minute time slot to pay your respects and greet the family. Please limit the length of your stay to 15 minutes, allowing the next group to enter on time. If you need assistance signing up, please call the funeral home. Thank You.

A private funeral for Kari will be held at 4:00 Wednesday. The funeral will be broadcast live on the funeral home website and a link will be available to watch for 90 days.

https://vimeo.com/421721925/39ca5ea11a

For questions or additional information, see Gearty-Delmore Chapel, Plymouth, MN 55446      763-553-1411