Karin Reis

Karin Michelle Reis, 51, of Storm Lake died Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake.

Funeral Mass will take place Thursday, Oct. 3, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 5-7 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake.

On April 3, 1973, Robert and Evelyn (Braun) Reis and four brothers welcomed home a happy baby girl, Karin Michelle Reis in Storm Lake… who just happened to have Down syndrome. She was baptized, confirmed and received First Communion at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake.

Raising an individual with developmental disabilities is a challenge. To help the family face this challenge were many friends and family, along with several agencies to help Karin succeed in life. Early on with AEA and the Storm Lake Special Education department who had amazing, dedicated teachers and support groups. She participated in Special Olympics throughout school and in 1993, she received her certificate of attendance from Storm Lake High School. Karin then moved to the Lutheran Family Services group home to learn life skills for independent living. Shortly, Bob realized she could do well on her own and purchased a forever home for her on Lake Avenue. Karin was extremely proud of being able to live independently and have her very own home. With the tremendous assistance of BV County Public Health, they supported her in various household duties. There she was able to live her best life and enjoy her many activities and hobbies.

Many special people and other agencies have come and gone as she grew into her adult life. Ressler Drug was one of her first jobs, they embraced her challenges and gave her a good work home for several years. When the business was sold to Hy-Vee, she worked there for a short time.

Then Genesis Development (now Imagine the Possibilities) gave her various employment opportunities and home assistance. Karin mostly enjoyed seeing her friends at Day Hab and going on various outings with them.

Karin always kept busy even though the TV was on (full blast), you could find her sitting on the floor working on some creation. Happily working on crochet, scrapbooking or placing large amounts of scotch/packing tape to various items labeled “this belongs to Karin M. Reis” not to mention puzzle and coloring books were always by her side to occupy any down time. She took great pride in painting her own fingernails and the endless flow of nail polish kept us all guessing what color or colors she would have on next.

Anyone who met her, knew her endless happy disposition. One kind word or a sweet gesture toward her and you were an instant friend. Church was also very important to Karin, and she attended mass every Sunday she could. Karin enjoyed many years bowling with the Alley Kits League and going to state tournaments. Karin was a charter member and a past club president of the Kiwanis Storm Lake Tornadoes Aktion Club. She enjoyed assisting in various projects and fundraisers and loved the club dances as she could really “bust of move!”

Family was Karin’s greatest joy and always looked forward to visits from her brothers, nieces, nephews, aunts or cousins, getting down on the floor and playing with all her nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Lastly, she was always thankful for her four brothers (and sister-in-laws) help with various tasks, fix-its, doctor appointments and a few ice cream runs.

It truly took a village (more like three or more) to raise this fine lady! Karin will truly be missed by many.

Karin was preceded in death by grandparents: Bernard and Erna Reis, Ignatius and Francis Braun; parents Robert and Evelyn Reis; sister Kathy Jo Reis; and many of her aunts and uncles.

Those left to cherish her memory are brothers: Mark (Julie) Reis of Runnells; Mike Reis (Sharon Modtland) of Ankeny; Curt (Connie) Reis of Storm Lake; Dan (Judy) Reis of Winterset; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, along with many, many dear friends.