Kari Ruth Torkelson Anderson

On Sunday, March 19, 2023 Kari lost her struggle with cancer but triumphed over death, entering into the embrace of God's eternal love. Kari was born on April 17. 1971 in Mesa, Arizona to a military family living in Tempe, Arizona. Her father, U.S. Air Force (Ret) Lt. Col., Leon Torkelson, who was a fighter pilot and his assignments occasioned numerous family relocations. Kari's mother, Glenda, was a schoolteacher and always told Kari how lucky she was to be able to move to and enjoy new places. Kari had a lifelong love for travel and the opportunities for learning it provided. In addition to Arizona, Kari lived in California, West Germany, Alabama, Virginia, Nevada, Norway and Kansas. She attended four elementary schools, two junior high schools, and three high schools. At the age of fifteen, Kari spent her sophomore year in Norway as an exchange student. Kari was a cheerleader, band member (trombone), athlete holding the record for javelin and Salutatorian of her 1989 high school class at Atchison County Community High School. Kari attended the University of Kansas earning her undergraduate degree in 1993 and in 1999, her Master of Science Degree in Education-Counseling. Kari participated in college activities and sports including the KU and, later, K-State Women's Rugby teams. She was a member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority, Kansas University Band and Tau Beta Sigma -the honorary women- band society.

Kari married Brian Anderson on July 5, 2003. Kari and Brian's children, the twins, Jonas and Anya, were born in 2006 and are currently high school Juniors at Lansing High School.

Kari began her teaching career in Robinson, Kansas followed by two years teaching for the Department of Defense in Japan. After completing her Masters degree, she worked as a High School Counselor in Junction City, KS and later worked as a Counselor at Pleasant Ridge High School. For the last four years, Kari worked as College/Career Counselor at Lansing High School and was a member of the American School Counselor Association. As a high school counselor, Kari always found time to listen and help her students in any way possible. She attended almost every athletic event, play and music concert. The students knew that she was in attendance and cheering them on! She also served as a Coach of the Lansing High School Scholars Bowl team.

Kari always expressed a strong sense of patriotism, a genuine love of and respect for people and a strong desire to help others. In addition to school and family activities, Kari was an active participant and leader in numerous church and civic organizations. She served as a Member and Chapter Regent of the Kansas State Society- Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and was voted the Outstanding Junior DAR member in 2005; Member and Past President of a P.E.O. Chapter; and several programs and activities at the First United Methodist Church, Leavenworth. She also enjoyed coaching the twins’ youth soccer and basketball teams.

Kari is survived by her husband, Brian, and her children, Jonas and Anya. She is also survived by her mother, Glenda Torkelson, brother, Kurt Torkelson, and his wife, Amy; their children Aubrey, Chase and Brody; and her mother-in-law, Colleen Anderson .

She was preceded in death by her father, Leon Torkelson, and father-in-law, Kenneth Anderson.

The family will greet friends at Leintz Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 28 from 5 to 8 P.M. Kari's life will be celebrated at First United Methodist Church, 422 Chestnut Street, Leavenworth on Wednesday, March 29 at 10 A.M. For those unable to attend, the service will be streamed on the following sites: www.facebook.com/LeavenworthFirstUMC?mibextid=ZbWKwL - youtube.com/firstunitedmethodistchurch7025 - fumclvks.org/live

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the “Education Fund ” in care of the funeral home (4701 10th Ave, Leavenworth, KS 66048).