Loving Wife, Mother, Daughter, and Friend
Kara Behlke-Ungerman Obituary: Kara Elizabeth (Behlke) Ungerman, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away on Friday, August 4th, 2023 at the age of 40. Kara’s passing came as a result of complications during childbirth, after she and her devoted husband Andy welcomed their first child, Oliver Nolan Ungerman, into the world.
Early Life
Kara was born on January 18th, 1983 in Wray, Colorado to parents Ted and Maureen Behlke. She was baptized and confirmed in the United Methodist Church. Kara cherished her childhood growing up on the family farm in Benkelman, Nebraska, where she was actively involved in 4-H. From a young age, Kara had a passion for food and nutrition, foreshadowing her future career path.
In high school, Kara pursued her diverse interests wholeheartedly. She received her Girl Scout Gold Award, and was active in FFA, FBLA, National Honor Society, band, basketball, volleyball, and track. Kara graduated as Salutatorian from Dundy County High School in 2001. She was also a dedicated member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Urbandale, Iowa.
Education and Career
After high school, Kara attended the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, graduating with a B.S. in Dietetics in 2005. She fulfilled her internship at the Yale Medical Center before embarking on her nutrition career.
Kara worked as a dietitian with the New York Beef Council and Hy-Vee in Marion, Iowa. She then joined Schnucks in St. Louis as their Corporate Dietitian and Director of Brand Strategy. Most recently, Kara served as the Vice President of Nutrition Health & Wellness Transformation at the National Pork Board in Des Moines. She touched countless lives through her nutrition work.
Marriage and Motherhood
Kara married her loving husband Andy Ungerman, and the two were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child. Tragically, complications during childbirth led to Kara’s untimely passing on August 4th, 2023.
During her final moments, Kara and Andy were able to meet their newborn son, Oliver Nolan Ungerman. Though her time with Oliver was far too brief, Kara’s vibrant spirit will live on through her son.
Personality and Legacy
Kara was truly one-of-a-kind. Her quick wit never failed to make those around her smile and laugh. She had a zeal for life that was contagious, making every moment with her the best. Kara’s selfless, kind nature made everyone feel like the most important person in the room.
While Kara’s devastatingly early passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of her loved ones, the immeasurable joy she brought to others will never fade. Her spirit will forever live on, especially through Oliver and Andy.
Kara’s passion for life and tireless service to others stand as her legacy. Though she may be gone, her memory will continue to inspire those who were lucky enough to know her.
Family and Relationships
Kara leaves behind her beloved husband Andy and newborn son Oliver, as well as her parents Ted and Maureen Behlke. She is also survived by her siblings and their families:
- Brother Eric (Carrie) Behlke, and their children Hoxie and Cordelia
- Brother Nathan (Allie) Behlke, and their children Bryndle, Beckham, Bensyn, and Baylor
Additionally, Kara leaves behind her husband’s family:
- Parents Harvey and Verna Ungerman
- Sister Lori (Mark) Bransford, and their children Lizzy, Emma, Phillip, and Eddie
- Sister Kelly (Roger) Humburg, and their children Abby, Claire, and Lindsay
- Brother Michael (Annie) Ungerman, and their children Adeline, Jillian, and Calvin
Kara was preceded in death by her grandparents Ted and Verle Behlke, Erwin and Loretta Fuerniss, and her uncle Stephen Fuerniss.
Services – (kara behlke-ungerman obituary)
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 11th from 5:00-8:00pm at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, August 12th at 11:00am, with visitation beginning at 9:00am, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Urbandale.
Kara will be laid to rest at the Benkelman, Nebraska cemetery.
Though Kara left this world far too soon, her vibrant spirit lives on through Oliver, and in the cherished memories of the countless lives she touched. Kara will be dearly missed and forever remembered for her kindness, passion, and selfless nature. Her legacy endures in the hearts of those fortunate to have known her.
