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Karl Kassulke Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Karl Kassulke
Kurt Kassulke
November 9, 2008
Thanks to everyone for sharing your special moments with Dad. He's always been an abundant source of powerful, positive determination. Though I miss him terribly, it brightens each day to remember how powerfully his laugh uplifted and how completely his handshake welcomed. I will carry that spirit with me always. I hope I reflect at least a small portion of what he gave me back out into the world.
Eric Drenckhahn
November 6, 2008
I just heard of Karl's passing. My deepest sympathy and he will be missed greatly.
Tom Hogen, Shakopee High School Class of 1986,
November 6, 2008
Kurt and Kory,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dad. I didn't learn of his passing until this week. I only met your Dad once. We had a nice conversation outside the Metrodome before a Vikings game. Even from that one conversation, I could see some of the qualities others have mentioned.
Please also give my sympathy to your Mom. I worked with her for several years when I was an EMT at St. Francis Regional Medical Center and used to see her at Chaska Urgent Care before it closed.
Whitney Evavold
November 4, 2008
My deepest sympathies to Karl's family. My father-Dennis Evavold- now passed away, was a friend (and accountant) of Karl's in the 1970's. My father had a meeting with him the day of his accident. We prayed for his recovery at the dinner table nightly. I was just a little girl at the time- 3rd grade. My mom, sister and I made him Christmas cookies that year and I remember sittting on his lap in his wheelchair watching football eating them together. Karl's laugh and mustache are etched in my mind forever.
Whitney Evavold
Joe Hejlik
November 2, 2008
I was able to meet Karl and Susan in the summer of 1979, when they opened their home and allowed me to stay with them with my school mate Tom Scipioni. I still remember how at home I felt and how they made me feel welcome. I will always remember the kind heart Karl showed everyone he came in contact with and the great spirit he displayed on a daily basis. Sue and Tom and family my deepest condolences. I will keep you in my prayers.
Jonda Dansare
November 2, 2008
Rosie and family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your uncle and brother family member.... you are in my thoughts and prayers......
Carol Ann Wilson
November 1, 2008
Sue,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family at this time of greatest loss. God Bless you for the loving, unconditional care you gave your wonderful husband all these years.
My prayer for you is that all of the good memories will sustain you.
Carol Ann Wilson
Greg Nelson
November 1, 2008
I met Karl in the winter of 1982 or 1983. He spoke at a weekend retreat that I attended either with church or 4-H. While I do not remember anything about this trip I will never forget Karl and his words and strength. Over the years i would see him ocassionly when Kurt or Kory wrestled. It was always a pleasure, as he was one of my heros for his strength in the face of adversity. To all of you I want to say that I lost my #1 hero and friend one year ago when my father passed away. It is a very emotional time. However, when I think of him I remember his wisdom, smile, and laugh and he continues to brighten my days. I wish all the best for all of you.
Stephen & Karen Konsor
November 1, 2008
WOW!
This man had a servants heart and lived it out!
P.S. Karl, what does the new Vikes stadium look like in heaven? Are you having fun playing in it?
Charlotte Lukas
October 31, 2008
Karl was an insiration to me as his cousin. He was loving and full of fun. My sympathy to his family. May God be with you all. Love,Charlotte (Titschler) Lukas
Alice Allyn
October 31, 2008
Sue and Family,
I met Karl on Rehab 4 in Feb. of 1974 when he returned and his infectious laugh lifted everyone's spirit. My husband played cribbage with him sometimes while waiting for me. Our most sincere sympathy to you, Sue, and all your family.
Alice & Chuck Allyn
Rochelle (Brenke) Faulkner
October 31, 2008
To Kory (and the Kassulke Family)
Kory, I wanted to send my utmost sympathy in the loss of your Dad. May you find great strength in those that love you. Please extend my sympathies to your Mom and Kurt as well.
Rochelle
Shakopee Sr High
Class of 1986
Jim Bryant
October 31, 2008
To the Kassulke family
I met Karl about 3 years ago at Caribou Coffee in Eagan. I have never met anyone that I enjoyed more than Karl. We had coffee together about 3 times a week and would just sit and talk about our families and sports. I grew up in North Carolina and he had a son in North Carolina, my son moved to California and he had a son in California so that gave us a lot to talk about. Karl made everyone feel special he treated you like his best friend. Afternoon coffee at Caribou will never be the same. I will miss my friend.
Larry Lundberg
October 31, 2008
It was a great pleasure and privilege to have met Karl and experience his zest for like. I feel honored to have known Karl for the past 11-12 years as a member of Oak Hills church. He was one of those people that made you feel better after talking to him, and I believe made you a better person after knowing him. He will be greatly missed by Carol and I. But at least he is now back to playing Strong Safety with our Lord. As Karl always said, "there are no wheelchairs in Heaven". God Bless you brother.
Dick & Bev Carbone
October 30, 2008
Susan and Family,
We are deeply saddened with Karl's passing, but will remember the warth that he shared with everyone he touched. We will certaily miss seeing him each Sunday and OHC.
Blessings,
Chris Kassulke
October 30, 2008
Dad, I said goodbye to you on this
day. I was at the visitation on both
Wednesday and Thursday. A funeral
followed the second visitation. At
around 2:30 PM, standing with our
family members at interment, I lost it
for the first time. I broke down after
tears had been in my eyes. I cried out loud llike I had not cried in a long
time. Some relatives embraced me,
some patted my back. I needed that
moment of emotion.
You were one of the world's most
generous people ever. You displayed
a great sense of humor, a loving heart, and an enthusiasm for life. You
made a huge difference for so many
citizens, even when life was difficult
for you.
Many folks (including me) will miss the good times which we shared with
you. However, you experienced much
adversity for 35 years. Over and over
again, you earned better results than
that. While I am not enthusiastic
about certain terminology from the
Bible, I am thankful for the hope
offered in it. You deserve it, too, and
not because you are my dad.
I love you, Number 29!
Paul Kassulke
October 30, 2008
Dear Sue and Chris,
It is hard to be on the west coast and hear about Karl. It is the greatest of joys to know that we will see him again. Praise be to God for his grace which was so evident to Karl and the rest of the world around him. Our prayers are with you - God bless, Paul and Kay Kassulke
Randy Luken
October 30, 2008
October 30, 2008
I met Karl through the ministry of Wings. The first time that I met Him was a Wings picnic about six or seven years ago, the last time that I saw him was at the Wings picnic in June 2008. Every year at the end of the picnic they take a group picture of all the participants in the Roll-a-thon around Lake Harriet. (If any one see's the picture I am in the wheelchair next to
Karl). After the picture was taken I started talking with Karl. Before I left I said to Him that every year Him and I sit in the front row in the picture. Then I said if I don't see you next year I’ll see you in heaven and we shook hands and he smiled that big smile at me. Praise God Karl knew Jesus Christ as His personal Savior. And I am going to see Karl again in heaven where we will both have our new bodies and we will be walking and running
Dan Christensen
October 30, 2008
Kory and Kurt,
I just heard this morning of your Dad's passing. I am so sorry for your loss. I had a flood of memories from our times in Shakopee (Trampoline-stitches, Amy and Lori "tatoo's", Big Sky, Jumping the stumps at Sundance Medical Center, Menke's pool; Kurt, Kip, Joe, Dave, Mark and others laughing during Bobby's birthday dinner, so many more). My thoughts are with you today. . .
-Danny
James Hartmann
October 30, 2008
thank you for signing a soft ball for me when I met you at a mn northmaen softball game 30+ years back. it was a great pleasure meeting you. my condolences to your family and friends.
Troy Sinykin
October 30, 2008
I was fortunate enough to work with your wonderful family in your home. I am so sorry to hear of Karl's passing. He had a strong spirit. My sympathies to Sue and Chris.
Patricia Rudolph Dwyer
October 30, 2008
Sue - My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours - take care
Betty Underwood
October 30, 2008
My heart aches for you Sue. You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful 33 years you and Karl had together. Treasure all those great memories. Love you.
Bonnie Donovan-Marsh
October 29, 2008
I was real sorry to hear that Karl had passed away, I have never met him, but my husband at the time was in the emergency room at the same time as Karl. So just wanted to say I am thinking about you at this time.
Bob Gehrman
October 29, 2008
I had the great honor of working with Karl on a United Way campaign, when I lived in St. Paul. He was an insperation and an incredibly likable man. My deepest condolences to the Kassulke family.
donald bastle
October 29, 2008
go with god karl
Lynne, R.N.
October 29, 2008
I met Karl through the early Wings (formerly Broken Wing) ministry. One evening I was working at North Memorial ICU caring for a newly quadriplegic man who was terribly depressed and frightened. When I asked if he would like to meet Karl his eyes lit up. I was able to call Wings to make arrangements, and Karl arrived the next day. His presence and ministry to that despondent patient enabled the injured man to take the first figurative steps to recovery. God bless Karl for all the quiet acts of mercy he provided over the years.
Jeff Bergeson
October 29, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the Kassulke family in this time of saddness.
I want to share my experiance of Karl a great and wonderfull man. In 1978-82 I was a young student/football player at Bethel College/University when I first met coach Karl Kassulke. He was a mentor: a trusted friend, counselor and teacher/coach. I remember like yesterday when he gave the team his amazing testimony of how he found Jesus...the entire team fell in love with this man after that day. I was a defensive end/tackle on the team and I remember once he saw me make a big time hit in practice...we became immediate friends. He gave me a nick name "Big Hitter Bergie". He asked me to be his guy getting him settled in the motor coach buses for away games. It was an Honor and Privilege, we had many great talks about football and the Lord on that bus. My faith grew much at Bethel and I Thank the Lord for Karl who had a big impact on me during those years.
I look forward to the day...I get to see him again in Gods Heavenly Kingdom.
Jon Lokhorst
October 29, 2008
I met Karl when he was an assistant coach at Bethel around 1980. He invited me to jump on his golf cart as he rode from the locker room area to the football field. He had an infectious laugh and positive attitude, even when he almost tipped the cart over. Praise God for Karl's testimony of faith!
Darlene Menke
October 29, 2008
Kurt, Kory, Jan, Sue & Chris, My deepest sympathy to all of you in Karl's passing. As old neighbors Kurt and Kory, I always enjoyed talking to your dad at wrestling meets and and where ever, loved his book. Still have it. God will help you through this difficult time. I am sure all of you have changed since I have seen you last as I think it was Kurts wedding. I wish all of you well.
Bob(Bart) Bartholomay
October 29, 2008
You were one of a kind and won't be forgotten. That infectious laugh was always there even after tough times. Rest in peace and god be with you!
Donna Childers
October 29, 2008
Chris, I am so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. You are such a special friend to me, I feel for you.
Elizabeth & Rick Mills
October 29, 2008
Sue and Chris,
Everytime we think of Karl I see that big Grin and hear his laugh. Never one to feel self pity, only to reach out to others with the love of the Lord. May the comfort of knowing he is with Jesus carry you through the coming days. Please let us know if there is anything we can do
Paul Flatley
October 29, 2008
Karl, I first met you when you were sent to the Vikings from Detroit. We were in San Francisco the night before an exhibition game and we were having dinner with several teammates at Joe Dimaggio's restaurant. You ordered fish and it was brought to the table by the waiter and all the bones of the fish were still intact. Your reaction was surprise and then the 'laugh.' But you ate it all.
We were teammates as rookies in 1963 and spent a few more years together with the Vikings. You had a wonderful sense of humor and a solid compassion for those around you. You were also a very good football player. I am blessed to have known you and your family.
Thom Casebolt (Panelcraft)
October 29, 2008
I was one of the very fortunate people to get to know and work with Karl a few times. I often think of the fun ride I had with Karl over to Herb Carneal's house (around 1994) to shoot a commercial. He drove! What a fun ride that was!!
Karl was truly one special & wonderful person!
I am very sorry for your loss Susan. Karl's spirit will live on and I believe he will be an ever present Angel from Heaven watching over you and your family!
Phil Plowman
October 29, 2008
To Karl's family; I have known Karl for many years now through our visits at Caribou. Just last week we visited for nearly an hour while my car was in the shop. Talking with Karl was always a bright spot in my day. He loved to share memories of old days, he was always interested in what was happening in my life but when he spoke of his family, he always had a big smile. He was proud of his kids and always had praise and admiration for his wife.
Thanks for touching my life Karl and thank you for being my friend!
Jennifer Dahlblom-Varness
October 29, 2008
Dear Chris and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I pray that God give all of you the strength to get through this. He was such a wonderful man. This has impacted me as a friend, I cant imagine your pain. I pray for for you all.
Tom Greer
October 29, 2008
To Sue & Chris,
We were sorry to hear about Karl's passing. We will miss seeing him drive through the neighborhood singing to the top of his lungs. It was a pleasure to know him. Always a smile on his face and a good firm hand shake. He will be missed. Tom, Barb, Ian & Allen Greer
Tom Carrier
October 29, 2008
Whether on the football field or in his wheelchair, Karl was one of the greats. The three things I remember most about Karl were his love of family, his undaunted courage and his incredible zest for life. And, although it has been many years since I have seen him, I can still hear
that laugh.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Kassulkes as you mourn the loss of this wonderful man.
Charles Harvey
October 29, 2008
Prayers go out to Karl's family.
I only lived in Minnesota (Bloomington) for a couple of years
in early 60's, but I remembered the
name immediately.
Karl accomplished so many things in
his lifetime, that even the accident
could not take away what he achieved.
Then went on to be an even greater
influence on people, than before.
May he rest in peace, assured that
he did his best.
Steve Setzler
October 29, 2008
Back in the spring of 1973 ,when I was a rookie free agent with the Vikings, I was at a pre-season Vikings dinner event at the old Lemington Hotel . I was on one of the balconies on top of the hotel and Karl ,standing next to me, had just finished telling a joke and was laughing so hard he almost fell off the roof. I grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him back on to the balcony ledge. He had such an amazing spirit even after his motorcycle accident that summer . I will ALWAYS remember his great laugh and wonderful smile. Sue and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Setz...
Linda Klein
October 29, 2008
Susan, and family, Karl was always so up! I remember him from his days at Blue Cross. He was always encouraging everyone with that bright smile and his kind words. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and all who loved him. I share your loss.
John,Chris,Drew,Dave,Kevin & Sarah Zimmermann
October 29, 2008
Sue and Chris,
As long as there is an Oldies Radio station in heaven, Karl will be fine. We will miss his quick wit and his singing! He was such a wonderful man and we enjoyed his company every time we saw him! God Bless him and your family.
Jim Wright
October 29, 2008
The guy whose laugh always brought a smile to my face, the guy who always took time to talk with me and others, the guy who's attitude didn't change after the accident, what a guy, SuperJock. I'll always have great memories of you. My heartfelt feelings to Karl's family, what a gift he brought to those around him. God bless.
Ronald
October 29, 2008
Karl's great spirit added immeasurably to my joy at watching the Vikings games in the early days.
Jann Widseth
October 29, 2008
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Kassulke family. I have so many great memories of watching Karl play football at Met Stadium on one of the best Vikings teams of all time. He was such a class act on and off the field. Even though I never met him personally, I got to "experience" his booming laugh one time when I was at the Left Guard restaurant in Bloomingon and he happened to be there also. Karl is a part of more people's memories than he could ever have imagined.
Maria Erickson
October 29, 2008
It is with great sadness that I learned of Karl's passing. I remember watching Karl play in the 70's and it was because of that team as a young woman that I fell in love with the Minnesota Vikings and have been a fan ever since. I remember learning of Karl being a christian and what an affect it had on me. A professional player in the NFL that loved God....wow, a novel concept. He was a wonderful witness and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Knowing that he is now with his Savior is a wonderful comfort.
Jennifer Goos
October 29, 2008
To Karl's family...I was saddened to hear of Karl's death. My family and I live in Eagan and have talked with Karl many times over the years at Big Apple Bagels & Caribou coffee. He was a dear man who we always enjoyed chatting with about a variety of topics. We will miss seeing him!
Dan Hessler
October 29, 2008
So sad to her of Karl's passing. He was a tremendous football talent, one that exemplified the Viking teams of a by gone era. His blitz and sack of Greg Landry will forever be etched in my mind. Thank you Karl for the wonderful memories you gave all Viking fans.
And to his family, best wishes for all of you and rest in God's promise of eternal life.
Marcy Hultquist
October 29, 2008
My condolences to the Kassulke family. He was one of my favorite Vikings players, and I had the opportunity to meet and talk with him after his accident when he was promoting his charity work at Dayton's. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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