Karolyn Rae Bergquist

April 13, 1980 - November 20, 2020

Karolyn Rae Bergquist was born April 13, 1980 in Waterloo, Iowa to Barton and Sandra. She was the youngest child, with older siblings Jenny and Tim welcoming her home. Kari grew up in Cedar Falls, graduated from Cedar Falls High School and chose to attend the University of Northern Iowa. After graduating from UNI, she went to Iowa State University and entered the Veterinary Medicine Program. Kari proudly graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree. Upon graduation, Kari began working at the Orland Park Animal Medical Center in 2007 in Orland Park, Illinois. She developed lifelong friendships and had great experiences while working there. In 2015, an opportunity arose to move closer to family and she began work at the Ankeny Animal and Avian Clinic. Kari always had a great love for animals. She was known for her gentle spirit as she treated small animals at the clinic, as well as her compassion and kindness with their owners. Everyone she met and worked with could attest to her kind heart and thoughtful consideration. Those who knew and loved Kari will remember her ability to be a good listener and willingness to help anyone in need. She was a good and faithful friend. Kari loved traveling and had many fun escapades and adventures with her friends. She also loved mental challenges, like puzzles, escape rooms and complicated animal surgeries, where she would be challenged and exercise her mind. Kari loved her family, beyond anything else. Her nieces and nephews were drawn to her as she was the “COOL Aunt Kari.” She always had time to share with them, and her parents and siblings. She added to her family when she adopted her dog Wilson, who was a faithful companion and gave her unending joy. Kari’s deep faith in Christ was the most important aspect of her life, in the mountaintop moments and the deepest of valleys. It gave her strength and carried her through her journey as she battled leukemia. Kari passed away with her family at her side on November 20, 2020 at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics at the age of 40. Private family services will be held at First Family Church in Ankeny. Interment will be at the Ankeny Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be given to Compassion International. Kari was honored to sponsor a child through Compassion International and one of her wishes was to continue, even in her illness. Memorial cards and donations may be sent to the Kari Bergquist family in care of Ouellette Pierschbacher Thomas Funeral Home, 722 S. Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023.