Obituary for Kevin Kari

Kevin Douglas Kari, age 50, of Brooklyn Park, MN passed away on November 18, 2021.Kevin was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lillian and Oliver Kari; great aunt, Katharina Braun; and his uncle, Jim Wagner.

Kevin was born on February 12, 1971 in Los Angeles, CA.He spent his childhood in Richfield, MN.Kevin graduated from Richfield Highschool in 1989. He completed his bachelors of science degree from the University of Minnesota in 1993 and pursued course work for a masters degree in education. Kevin spent his early career as a middle school teacher in Eagan, MN and high school teacher in Minneapolis, MN inspiring students with his creativity as an earth science teacher.

Kevin Kari had a passion for hosting events and bringing people together.He was a true extrovert, a lover of theology, and someone who had no time for superficiality.He sought real connection with anyone and everyone, and would get excited at the idea of bringing about greater unity, in the church and in the city he loved.

He desired deep, meaningful conversation.On more than one occasion, a group lunch or dinner with “Kevo” would turn into a three or four hour marathon of talking about life.He made people feel seen.He had a unique ability to call out the unique gifts he saw in someone and encourage them to use those gifts for the betterment of others.

Kevin was a beloved brother, son, and friend; shaped views of biblical manhood, and inspired those to live more relationally.

Kevin taught us the power of hospitality and opening one’s home to strangers.He taught us how sharing a table with someone you think you have little in common with can topple barriers and forge a lifetime bond.He taught that right thinking and right feeling about God go hand in hand. He taught us that it is okay to cry.

So many people had a chance to be social and feel loved and have community because of Kevin - because he cared and also because he saw people’s potential and encouraged them.If you were inspired by Kevin, you were inspired by Jesus.

We miss you Kevin.We will see you in Heaven.You left an impression on many, lead many to Christ, and will be missed by all who knew you.

Kevin is survived by his parents, Erna Kari and Martin Kari; sister, Julie Kari; aunt, Linda Wagner, cousins, Kristi Wagner, Pamela Foster, and Heather Ringersma; along with other loving relatives and friends.

A visitation for Kevin Kari will be held on Sunday, November 28, from 3-5pm at Evans-Nordby Funeral Homes (6000 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN).

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, November 29, at 12 pm at Substance Church Northtown Campus (8299 Central Ave NE, Spring Lake Park, MN), with a visitation preceding the service at 11am.

The Celebration of Life will be livestreamed beginning at 12:00pm at live.substancechurch.com