Kari McVann

KARI MICHELLE McVANN February 24, 1977 - July 4, 2016         Kari Michelle was born in Park Rapids, Minnesota on February 24, 1977.  Kari lost her battle with liver disease on July 4, 2016.  She passed away at the University Of Minnesota Hospital with her family by her side.       Kari grew up and spent most of her childhood in Park Rapids until the age of 16, when she moved to South Carolina with her Dad, Nate and Emily.  She moved back to Minnesota for her senior year of high school to live with her Mom.  She graduated from Elk River High School in 1995.       After graduation, Kari spent a few years living with good friends and checking out different cities. In 2001, she moved back to Park Rapids to continue a relationship with Shaun Pike.  During their years together, they were blessed with two beautiful children: Dylan Phillip, born on October 22, 2002, and Madysin Lee, born on March 20, 2006.       Kari was a devoted and loving Mom. Dylan and Maddie were the light of her life and always her priority.  She was so very proud of both of them.  Kari worked as a waitress at Bogey’s for the last 10 years.  She loved her job and enjoyed all the people she met and talked with while working there.  She also enjoyed spending time with her good friends, who loved and supported Kari through all of the ups and downs.       Kari was a kind and generous person, a loving mother, daughter, sister and aunt, a true friend.       Kari was diagnosed with liver disease on November 7, 2015.  She stayed courageous, strong and positive through all the symptoms and procedures she endured while fighting this disease.  On July 4, 2016, she lost her battle as her body just couldn’t take any more.        Kari Michelle will be loved and remembered every day.  She will live on in our hearts and we will cherish the memories and always be so thankful she was part of our lives.       Dylan and Madysin will live with Shaun and Laura Pike and their three brothers: Gavin, Jediah, and Bo.  We will all keep a close relationship with them full of love and support. Kari’s love and memory will be with them and will forever be a part of their lives.       Kari’s family would like to thank everyone for their love, support and friendship.              Those who loved Kari and are left behind to cherish her are her two children Dylan Pike, age 13 and Madysin Pike, age 10; her parents Neil (Mary) McVann and Peggy Heeren (Jim Talbot), one brother Nate (Elizabeth) McVann one sister Emily (Michael) Smith and two nieces, Madelyn and Ellie. Extended and immediate family – Ed & JoAnn Talbot and family, Chris & Stacy Hammons and family, Shelly Chandler (Troy Dugo) and family, Ryan and Erin Chandler and family, as well as many loving uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.  You will live on in our hearts forever, Kari Michelle.       A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2016 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN beginning at 11:00AM to celebrate Kari’s life. To view the video tribute or leave online condolences, please visit jonespearson.com.