Karli J. Mukka
Karli J. Mukka passed away at her home in L’Anse, MI, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010, following a long and courageous battle against Huntington’s disease.
Karli was born on Sept. 12, 1996, a daughter of Karl and Jane Mervar. Princess Karli Belle as she affectionately liked to be called inspired us all with her zest for life and the smile she carried with her even in the face of her greatest adversity.
She would not want us to mourn her passing and would instead ask us to celebrate her life. Those of us who knew her best would describe her with one word, “Love”. She had a way of lifting our spirits even when she faced her toughest battles as her laugh had a way of touching your soul.
She wanted to be a teacher from a young age and in her short life she taught us more about living, perseverance and gratitude than she ever dreamed. She understood that life is about enjoying the blessings we have been given and finding the positive even in the most difficult circumstances. She had a strong relationship with God and talked of the Angels that stayed with her for comfort. Her face lit up and any discomfort left her as they came into what she called Karli’s universe.
She often told her mother that she has seen Heaven and it is a truly wonderful place. We should now take comfort that Karli’s dream of sitting on God’s lap and square dancing in Heaven has been realized and though we will miss her she is not truly gone. Karli lives on in each birthday candle that is blown out, Christmas carol that is sung and every moment that brings us joy, peace and love.
Karli graced the pages of national magazines and world wide publications as she raised awareness for Huntington’s disease but took her fame in stride as she was more than willing to hand out her autograph or pose for a picture with anyone who asked. She received the National Juvenile Huntington Disease Award and the Regional Juvenile Advocacy Award for the 4 Great Lake States.
Karli will always be a hero to all those who were blessed to have her in their life and will be missed dearly by her family, friends and community. In reflection of Karli’s life we should remember her for the amazing grace she gave to us all.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents Frank and June Mervar, Uncles Kurt and Frank Mervar, Kurt Grant, Grandfather Gordon Mukka.
Surviving are her loving mother and father, Jane and Karl Mervar, Sisters Karisa Mukka, Erica (Zack) McDonald and Jacey Mukka, Grandmothers Rita Mukka and Annette Mervar, all of L’Anse, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces and her beloved dog, Sully.
The family would like to thank everyone who has provided gifts, kind words or has kept them in their thoughts and prayers. We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Karli’s medical team for their truly compassionate and dedicated care.
A memorial service for Karli was held at the Jacobson Funeral Home on Monday, Feb. 22, 2010, at 1 p.m. with Rev. Scott Williams officiating. Visitation hours were from 12 to 1 p.m.
If anyone would like to provide financial gifts in memory of Karli they can direct them to The Mukka Family Fund at the Baraga County Federal Credit Union. The Jacobson Funeral Home in L’Anse assisted the family.
Friends may sign Karli’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.
