Karin Michelle Reis

Karin Michelle Reis, age 51, of Storm Lake, Iowa died Friday, September 27, 2024 at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake. Funeral Mass will take place Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 2, 2024 from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in STORM LAKE. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in STORM LAKE is in charge of the arrangements. On April 3rd, 1973, Robert and Evelyn (Braun) Reis and four brothers welcomed home a happy baby girl Karin Michelle Reis in Storm Lake, Iowa…who just happened to have Downs 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 the 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 3 or more) to raise this fine lady! Karin will truly be missed by many. Karin is 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, Runnells, Mike Reis (Sharon Modtland) Ankeny, Curt (Connie) Reis Storm Lake, Dan (Judy) Reis Winterset. Along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews along with many, many dear friends.

Karin Michelle Reis

April 3, 1973 - September 27, 2024