It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Emersen. Emersen Omega Karl passed away, at age 5, surrounded by his family, on April 19, 2021, after a 14 month battle with liver cancer. Emersen was born on October 7, 2015, to parents Seth and Brittany Karl, in Bondurant, Iowa.
Emersen loved playing with his sister and all things superhero, he especially loved Spiderman. His smile could light up a room, and he had a laughter that was contagious. He was a comedian at heart, always trying to make a funny face or gesture to get a giggle. He was the happiest when he was at home surrounded by the people he loved. Emersen faced cancer with a resilience and fortitude that inspired all who knew of his story. He was our superhero and fought like one until the end. He took whatever circumstance came his way and never let it stop him from what he wanted to do! Though he didn’t live many years on earth, he touched many lives and was loved deeply by those around him.
Emersen will live on to be honored by his parents, Seth and Brittany Karl, and his sister, Malia; his grandparents, Tina and Rick Sackett of Ankeny, IA, Dave Karl (and Nancy) of Milford, IA, Bruce and Elecia Betts of Gilbert, IA, and a host of family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at Memorial Park, located at 300 Lake Street in Spirit Lake, IA, on Sunday May 30, from 12:00 – 4:00 pm. The family encourages all who knew Emersen and family to attend to share memories and celebrate his life.
The reality for Emersen and so many other children is pediatric cancer is an ugly, nasty beast that leaves a path of destruction. For Emersen and many others before him – cancer kills. We will fight for a cure until no other children are robbed of their childhood, no other siblings lose their best friends, and no other parents have to bury their babies.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18