Kari Mette Hansen was born January 4th, 1954 in Kristiansand, Norway. Youngest daughter to Harold Hansen and Gerd H Rankin.

Kari is survived by her husband Steve Kruse, son Per Kruse and wife Aimie, daughters Karina Kruse, Cameo Kruse and her four grandsons,

Devin, Gaige, Ever and River. As well as brother Per Hansen and wife Faith, sister Lisbeth Fillmore and husband Rick. Along side several brother and sister in laws, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Her siblings referred to her as Mette. Her children called her Butter. Kari was famous for her heart-shaped waffles, made on her antique iron that had been passed down from her Grandmother in Norway. She enjoyed the little things, a simpler way of life. The relationships she made were strong and meaningful.

Kari shared her kindness with the world. She never showed up to a party empty handed. She always brought fresh cut flowers from her own garden, farm fresh eggs and the most beautiful smile.

Kari enjoyed making jewelry from shells and sea glass she collected over the years. She handed out her pieces to practically everyone she knew. Kari knit hats for newborns, donating those handmade treasures to neonatal intensive care units throughout Chicagoland. After mastering the newborn hats, she moved onto knitting adult sized hats, donating her final collection to patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments.

In 2019, Kari and Steve retired to the country of Panama, where they planned to live their “last 20”. For three years they had the time of their lives. Their home became the local hangout. Kari continued to share her light, love and delicious waffles with a whole new group of people she considered to be her family.

A life devoted to giving to others. If you knew her, you loved her and she loved you back unconditionally.

Each moment with her was a gift.

Forever loved, eternally missed. 

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