Karl Edward Hohn, age 38, of Isanti died April 17, 2012 at Our Lady of Peace in St. Paul. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in East Bethel. Visitation will be AT THE CHURCH from 5 – 8 P.M. on Friday, April 20th and also 1 hour prior to the service on Saturday. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Mora.
Karl was born in Cambridge, MN on April 6, 1974 to Stanley Wendell and Geraldine Ella (Herwald) Hohn. He was baptized and confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in Isanti. He attended St. Francis Schools graduating in 1993. While in middle school, he participated in baseball and basketball, and in high school, cross country and weight training. At the end of his senior year, he was able to bench press 300 pounds. He was a member of Lucky Tri Ats 4-H Club and exhibited at Isanti County Fairs and Minnesota State Fairs.
His Grandma Jean started teaching him how to fish and cook at an early age. His cooking skills lead him to his first job at the Sportsman Grill in Cambridge and later to The Scenic Restaurant in St. Francis. After that, he worked at Diesel Cast Welding in Blaine until he began working at Cummins/Onan in Fridley in 2000. He worked there until being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2009.
Karl and Jennifer Lee Gustafson were united in marriage March 23, 2002. They lived in Isanti where they were raising their two children, Carter and Madison.
Karl enjoyed watching the MN Twins and going to Twins Fest, playing ball with Carter and other neighborhood kids, cooking, gardening, canning with his mom, even attempting to make wine, fishing, bird watching, classic car shows, taking things apart just to see how they worked and in recent years began pheasant hunting with his cousin, Clovis. Karl had an infectious laugh, and his unique sense of humor could make others laugh when he talked like Donald Duck or made other sounds like a dentist’s drill. He had a caring heart and was always ready to lend a helping hand to others.
Karl went to his eternal home on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at Our Lady of Peace Home in St. Paul after a courageous three year battle with brain cancer at the age of 38 years and 11 days. He was preceded in death by his father, Stanley in 2000 and by his grandparents.
Karl is survived by his wife, Jennifer of Isanti; two children, Carter and Madison; mother, Geraldine Hohn of Isanti; sister, Kalee Hohn (Greg Dawson) of Coon Rapids; mother and father-in-law, Ken and Jane Gustafson of Brook Park; sisters-in-law, Donna Schmidt of Annandale, Amy (Darin) Nickoloff of Wiliston, ND, Ginger Alby of Thief River Falls, Tami Besser of North Carolina; best friend, Chad (Crystal) Konen of Inver Grove Heights; and by many other relatives and friends.
I’ve never met Karl but I’ve been good friends and co-worker for 9+ years with Kalee (sister) and so the stories told of happy days and even the sad ones I feel as if I knew Karl personally.
My Deepest condolences to the Hohn family.
Joe Panlilio
I am so sorry to hear about Karl and his passing away. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family at this time. He is resting peacefully in heaven with Jesus Christ and be assured that you will meet him one day. Gerry, my prayers are with you too and I love u. You have been a wonderful mother and God will honor you for your faithfulness. May God give you his strength and peace and comfort you today and always.
Vinny Crowell
My heart and prayers go out to the Hohn family for the loss of Karl. He was a good friend and a great person.
We had gone to different schools, but had known each other mostly through church. We had gone to Bible Camp together, Confirmation class, enjoyed music and video games, and he’d even helped me fix my car at one time. Karl was always good for a laugh, whether it was a good joke or impressions. He had an easy way about him that made it a true pleasure to be in his company.
I regret I will not be able to make it up to say goodbye to an old friend, but I extend my deepest condolences and wish God be with Karl’s family as they go through this challenging time.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Jerry and I remember how much fun he was in Sunday School. Remembering him brings smiles to us both. Our prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Geri, I was shocked and saddened to read that Karl was called home. I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.