Kari Lynn Iversen passed away peacefully at St. Vincent Healthcare on August 21, 2017 in Billings, Montana at the age of 47, following a summer of hospitalization with necrotizing pancreatitis.
Kari was born on January 18, 1970 to parents Mark and Kathy (Kempcke) Iversen in Sidney, MT. She attended school in Sidney, graduating with the Class of 1989. Kari was a lifelong Sidney Eagle fan and especially liked watching her nephews play in several sports through the years.
At a young age, Kari was diagnosed with epilepsy and doctored with neurologists all over the country trying to control the seizure activity. Kari lived at home during most of this time before moving into a group home setting managed by Richland Opportunities Inc.
The ROI staff and clients became a second family to Kari. Lori Johnson and her family were instrumental in providing continuity of care for 25 years in transitional living. During her time at ROI, Kari became involved in Special Olympics, made several lifelong friends, and enjoyed going on box runs. She loved to be around people and always saw the good in everyone.
Kari did better with structure in her life. Every Sunday was reserved for family as Kari would spend the day at her parents’ home generally watching NFL football or golf on TV. She was an avid Denver Broncos fan and was thrilled to attend two games at Mile High Stadium during her lifetime. She wondered how any family member could possibly cheer for another team, especially the Green Bay Packers.
Wednesday afternoons were also a highlight of Kari’s work week. She worked at “A Little Off the Top” sweeping floors (or drinking coffee) and quickly adopted Sandee Lundby as another sister. She became the official event planner for the annual employee Christmas party and adored the entire salon crew and their significant others.
Kari was the middle child of three girls and would often have a favorite sister depending on who was being the nicest to her. She was a girl at heart and was drawn to anything that sparkled. She enjoyed playing with her niece Molly, coloring pictures and working on jigsaw puzzles.
Kari had a way of bringing family and friends together and taught us to be humble and kind. She always greeted people with an infectious smile and approached life with a positive outlook, never complaining about her trials and tribulations. She leaned on her faith to get through the tough times and was a member of Pella Lutheran Church, where she was baptized and confirmed.
Kari is survived by: her parents, Mark and Kathy Iversen; sisters, Rita (Johnny) Steinbeisser, Michelle (Dana) Hasbargen; nephews, Cole and Cody Steinbeisser, Dillan Hasbargen; and niece, Molly Hasbargen and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Kari is preceded in death by her grandparents, Chris and Naomi Iversen; and Gordon and Enid Kempcke.

Memorial Contribution