Karl Duane Meek

Karl was born on October 21, 1975 in Naples, Italy to Mary and Duane “Duke” Meek. He grew up in Eastern Oregon and was known as “Pete” as a child. From a young age, it was obvious that he was exceptionally gifted. By the time he was 8 years old he had read through a set of encyclopedias and had his parents buy another set to check the accuracy of the first. This tenacity for reading and learning all that he could continued throughout his life. Family and friends will remember conversations with Karl on any subject imaginable. His mind was a steel trap of random bits of information, song lyrics and movie quotes. Karl was also a gifted athlete. He played many sports but excelled at baseball, and played for Hamline University his freshman year of college after graduating high school from Weston-McEwen in 1994.

After leaving college, Karl did various jobs until he landed in Portland, Oregon where he cared for people with disabilities. From Oregon he made his way to his family in Texas. He was an excellent carpenter and woodworker. He also became involved in Civil War Reenactments. It was during this time that he found his calling as an EMT, when he worked for Kinney County EMS. Seeking to become a paramedic he found himself in Minneapolis where he completed his paramedic training and joined Hennepin EMS in 2012.

Karl poured his heart and soul into all that he did. He wanted nothing more than to make the world a better place. He was encouraging and compassionate to others. He loved to groove to good tunes. He enjoyed food and all of its splendor and diversity. He was a Star Trek junkie, watched all the shows, movies and had the books. Karl was always up for an adventure and ready to explore. He searched for truth and meaning in life, taking pleasure in the small things, looking for beauty in the mundane. We will miss his smile, fantastic laugh, bear hugs, humor and thoughtful prose. Most of all Karl, we will miss your presence. You will forever be a treasured part of our lives.

Karl is survived by his parents, sisters and brothers-in-law, Amanda and Schuyler Burgos and Tina and Mike Brongo; his most loved nephews and nieces, Theodore, William, Andrew, Julia, Evelyn and Archer; his cherished cousin, Loni Caldwell as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Adela and John Meyer and Hazel and Karl E. Meek.

Karl’s remains will be cremated and returned to his beloved Oregon.

In honor of Karl’s memory, please donate to www.hennepinheroes.com