Kari Ann Wieseler

Kari Wieseler, age 42, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, fought courageously to overcome cancer but it progressed quickly and she passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at Holy Family (Immaculate Conception) Catholic Church in St. Helena, NE with Reverend Eliot Schwer officiating. The funeral will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/WintzRay. Burial will be in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, on Monday, July 6 at Holy Family (Immaculate Conception) Catholic Church in St. Helena. Visitation also continues one hour prior to the Mass on Tuesday. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton, South Dakota

Kari had a very colorful personality so the family would encourage you to wear bright and cheerful clothes to the visitation and funeral to celebrate Kari’s life.

Pallbearers are Kevin Wiepen, Carol Poole, Peggy Mach, Donna Klein, John Wieseler and Jerry Wieseler. Honorary pallbearers are all of her nieces and nephews.

Kari was born on August 11, 1983, in Yankton, SD, to Michael and Janet (Wiepen) Wieseler. At nine months old, she was diagnosed with a mental disability, a journey that would shape her life but never define the remarkable person she was.

Kari began her education at Stewart Elementary School in Yankton before her family moved to an acreage near Tyndall, SD. She completed her schooling in the Bon Homme School District, where she participated in special education classes.

After completing school, Kari moved to a group home in Yankton, where she became actively involved in Special Olympics, including bowling, softball, basketball, and track. In 2017, Kari moved to Sioux Falls, where she continued participating in Special Olympics and remained surrounded by friends, family and engaged in activities she loved. She enjoyed playing games and cards, listening to music, and spending time outdoors watching the birds. Kari had a special love for all animals and found joy in the simple moments they brought.

A true social butterfly, Kari never met a stranger. She loved visiting with everyone she encountered and brought warmth and laughter wherever she went. Family gatherings were among her greatest joys, and she especially looked forward to weddings, where she could light up the dance floor with her signature dance moves.

More than anything, Kari loved her family. She delighted in joking and bantering with her brothers. She cherished the special bond she shared with her sisters spending countless nights laughing together and creating memories. She treasured each of her nieces and nephews and welcomed every new baby into the family with excitement and love.

Kari’s life was a beautiful reminder that unconditional love means seeing the person, not the limitations-honoring their strengths, protecting their dignity, and celebrating the unique beauty they bring into the world. She touched countless lives with her joyful spirit, kind heart, and genuine love for others. Her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Kari is survived by her parents, Michael and Janet Wieseler of Tyndall, SD; five siblings: Jennifer (Rob) Kauffman of Sioux Falls, Samantha Wieseler of Hartford, SD, Michael (Kelsie) Wieseler of Sioux Falls, Jackie (Derek) Genzlinger of Dell Rapids, SD and Scott (Lauren) Wieseler of Worthing, SD; 17 nieces and nephews: Gabriella, Kamri, Kosten, Caleb, Lucas, Allison, Hadleigh, Lane, Tate, Nash, Maddie, Kaden, Mazie, Clare, Maverick and twin boys on the way.

Kari was preceded in death by her grandparents: Francis and Irma Wiepen and Gerald and Claudette Wieseler.