"Pat and Family, I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Your cousin Peggy"
In loving memory of
Cynthia 'Cindy' Lu Karls
December 28, 1963 - April 26, 2015
Cynthia Lu (Drake) Karls, 51, of Rochester, was born on December 28, 1963 in Spencer, IA to Robert and Norma (Hansen) Drake. Cindy's strong will, wit, and love of life soon won over the hearts of her three other siblings. She became the apple of everyone's eyes, especially her grandma Lulu, whom she was named after. Both Lulus were determined women and changed the lives of those around them. Cindy was raised in Spencer, Iowa where she received her education, graduating from Spencer High School. Later she attended South Dakota State University, where she received her bachelor degree in nursing. Like her father being sensitive to others needs and always wanting the best for others made Cindy a natural at being a nurse. Her 26 years nursing career was at Methodist Hospital and Mayo Clinic. This is where she met the love of her life, Patrick Karls. Patrick and Cindy married on May 25, 1996. To this union were born the two other loves of her life, Benjamin and Emma. You would find Cindy, too nervous to watch, pacing the floor, helping encourage her son to victory at his sporting events. Emma took to acting on stage where her mother watched with great pride. On April 21, 2015, Cindy was recognized by Mayo Clinic for her dedication to nursing and her patients by being presented a Karis Award.
Cindy enjoyed doing crafts, giggling, flowers, plants, puns, spending time with family and the Clay County Fair. Cindy loved to go antiquing, especially going to Gold Rush Days. She loved decorating for the seasons so all could enjoy her special skills. Spending time on Pinterest gave Cindy the bug of crafting, taking after her mother and grandmother. Hours were spent creating keepsakes to bless others.
Two of her greatest passions were running and her love for her Lord. She rededicated her life to serving her Lord by water baptism on November 30, 2013. Cindy felt running was her way to relax and enjoy life during her journey. She ran many 5k's, 10k's, and half-marathons (Disney Princess and Women Rock). Cindy participated in many 5k runs to help support local charities, foundations (Hugs from Hunter) and races to help support other friends who were in their own journey with cancer. Cindy always looked forward to the annual Join the Journey 10 mile walk on every 3rd weekend in September. Sometimes telling her oncologist, I'm doing this walk no matter what my counts are! Cindy will forever miss her running buddies, Shannon and Peggy. Cindy kept running despite the many challenges she faced. Cindy ran her final perfect race into the arms and saving grace of her Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 26, 2015.
Cindy was preceded in death by her father in 2013 and by her grandparents. She is survived by her husband, Patrick Karls; a son, Benjamin; a daughter, Emma; mother, Norma Drake of Spencer, IA; brothers, Michael and his wife Ann of Rochester, MI, Dennis and his wife Janice of Fort Collins, CO; sister, Connie Drake of Spencer, IA; and a host of other family and friends.
Cindy had a true encouraging spirit that was contagious to everyone she met. It was an honor to be included in her journey through life. Her strength and determination were an inspiration to all. Her legacy includes all the people's lives she touched.
The family wishes to thank all the friends, family and colleagues who have been so supportive over the last 6 years of Cindy's journey. We would also like to thank the staff of Seasons Hospice, Hospice House, the nurses of Gonda 10 East, Dr. Steven Robinson, Dr. Marvin Vaughan and Dr. Jose Villasboas.
A celebration of Cindy's life will be held 11: 00 AM Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at Christ Community Church, 4400 55th St. NW, Rochester. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 PM Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester and one hour prior to the service at the church. Pastor Ken White and Pastor Robb Ammermann will be officiating with interment at Oakwood East Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Seasons Hospice, 1696 Greenview Dr. SW, Rochester, MN 55902 or to Join the Journey, 1530 Greenview Dr. SW, Rochester, MN 55902. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Cindy was a bright spot to all who knew her. I had the pleasure of working with Cindy on AM Admit/ Outpatient Surgery. She loved taking care of people and I am so glad she was honored with the Karis Award. She was so proud of her family and enjoyed telling us about you. Cindy will be missed, but will live eternally in heaven. With sincere sympathy to her family."
"Pat and family, I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Cindy. I pray that you will find peace and comfort in knowing that she is home with her Lord and Savior. What we have once enjoyed we can never lose, all that we love deeply becomes a part of us. - Helen Keller Emily"
"I think I've known Cindy since we were babies in the nursery at the First Congregational Church in Spencer. We went through confirmation together, went to church camp in Boone together and of course, graduated from Spencer High School together. She was such a sweet lady with a terrific sense of humor. We didn't keep in touch much after high school, but whenever we did cross paths, we had a great visit. I'm glad she is no longer suffering, but I hurt for the pain her family now suffers. I hope they can find comfort in knowing she is with her Savior now. On behalf of myself, and the SHS Class of '82, our condolences to the family, and may Cindy rest in peace."
"Patrick and family- I am so very sorry to hear of Cindy's passing. It seems like yesterday seeing you both at the Mall of America when you were first dating:) Peace. Catherine"
"I worked with Cindy years ago on Station 62. She had the heart of gold and boy is the Lord getting a great person. Just remember she will always be beside you watching over you and lending you a hand."
"Dear Pat and Family, Please accept my sympathies. Cindy was a sweet wonderful person. I wish you strength as you forge ahead. I will be praying for all of you. Warmest regards, Cousin Bobby"
"Cindy taught my children about God in church and in the way she lived her life. She will be missed more than words can express. My heart goes out to all of you."
"Dear Patrick, Ben and Emma, I feel so blessed that I had a chance to get to know Cindy. Her smile, giggles and positive spirit were contagious. I cannot thank her and your family enough for the love and comfort you have given our family since we lost Hunter. It always amazed me that Cindy could be so caring and supportive for others when she was fighting for her own life. I truly believe it is the special people we meet along the way that make the biggest impact in our lives. Thank you for sharing Cindy and yourselves with us. We will pray for your healing and continue to remember Cindy's smile. All the best from Todd, Kelly, Alex and Marli Overgard"
"Dear Norma & Connie , I was saddened to hear of Cindys passing. She was so lucky to have you 2 in her life . May you find comfort knowing that she is not suffering anymore and is with the Lord. Heaven gained a wonderful angel !Take one day at a time and let God guide you through this difficult time. Gretchen"
" "I believe in Gods master plan in lives. He moves people in and out of others lives, and each leaves his mark on the other. You will find you are made up of bits and pieces of all who ever touched your life and you are more because of it, and you would be less if they had not touched you."...Sister Mary Brigh Cassidy I am a better person as a result of having the privilege to call Cindy my co-worker and friend. My thoughts are with all of you. Wendy Moore "
"While earth's loss of this angel is heaven's gain at least we can look forward to seeing Cindy again, as she was truly one of God's most selfless and greatest creations."
"Dear Patrick, Ben and Emma - as your neighbors, we have often connected over the ditch,....or by shouting hello's to one another and waving back and forth during the warm months...I will miss seeing Cindy's smiling face sitting out on the deck, or her little laughs and giggles as we chased a lost baby duckling up the waterway...I also remember one of her delcious Spinach salads she brought to our neighborhood get together and her joking that it was all in the way she tossed the spinach !... She was a tough cookie !! Our sympathies , thoughts and prayers are with all of you- Sharon, Bob, Trevor, and Brianna"
"Patrick, Ben and Emma, I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. It was a pleasure to meet you through baseball with Ben. Dawson had just read to me Ben's post yesterday about his mom's passing and I was so glad that they had kept in touch over the years. Hugs to you all."
"I only had the pleasure of meeting Cindy and Patrick a very short while ago, but within a week's time there were about 8 people that I mentioned her name to who also knew her and had a great story to share about her wonderful spirit and love for her family and friends. I'm sure she will be greatly missed. Love and prayers for strength to Patrick, Ben and Emma."
"Cindy is a very special cousin who will be forever remembered by everyone who had a chance to know her. She grew up becoming a beautiful woman and a fantastic nurse--in doing so I haven't seen Cindy that many times in her adult life except at birthdays and funerals--which is really a shame and I regret now that we didn't keep in contact better. I will never forget the caring and compassion that Cindy showed toward my sister, Jolene, while she was in Rochester going through her battle with cancer. It was wonderful having her there. Rest in peace Cindy--no more suffering--God has definately gained a Special Angel!!! I know that Jolene, Mom, and Dad are in good hands with you there to watch over them. You and Grandma Lulu can be together again forever. Love you!!!!"
"Dearest Norma and Connie, I am saddened to hear Cindy lost her battle to cancer. She was a wonderful woman who had you two as great role models for her. May you find peace and comfort as you travel this difficult time. In loving prayer, Brenda Griffin"
"I had the honor of working with Cindy for the last year of her long career at Mayo. She was a wonderful nurse, a great co-worker and one of the most courageous persons I've ever met. She touched the hearts of all that knew her and I will miss her very much. My deepest sympathies to Patrick, Ben and Emma."
"My deepest sympathy to Cindy's family and friends. May the memory of her sweet smile, infectious giggle and gentle spirit bring you comfort. Lynn Minett"