Karisa Anne Shendelman

Norwalk

Karisa Anne Shendelman, 31, finished her journey on Thursday, September 15, 2022 and has gone home to be with her family in Heaven. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, September 23, 2022 at Ankeny Funeral Home with a celebration of her life at 6 p.m.

She was welcomed into this world halfway through our Thanksgiving meal on November 22, 1990 to Marc and Barbara Shendelman. Her brother Joshua and sister Alana got a very fast car ride down 9th St. to the hospital because Karisa smelled dinner and wanted out NOW!!!! In the dictionary of life, the word Joy has her picture. Her infectious laugh would bring smiles every time. Karisa loved telling us stories of her growing up, playing with Josh and Alana and how they would tease her to no end. She grew up in Des Moines going to Studebaker and McCombs schools. Finishing her education at Annawan High School just North of Kewanee, Illinois. Her skills ran the gamut from playing on High School Basketball team to FFA where she raised a cow from birth to market weight which paid the greater part of the price of her 1st car. Her greatest skill was giving joy to her kids as Lead Teacher for Crossroads Church in Norwalk where she resided. Needless to say there isn't a list long enough for all the lives she touched with her smiles. She had many other things dear to her heart, shopping, being with friends and family, making dishes for family potluck dinners and her relationship with God.

Those left to cherish her memories are her father, Marc (Sandy) Shendelman; brother, Joshua (Emily) Shendelman; sister, Alana Shendelman; nieces, Samara, Parker, and Avery; step-sisters, Nikki, Kristy and Ashley; and aunt, Gail. She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara; grandparents, Morris, Yetta, John and Irene; and uncle, Steve.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the family will be used for a college fund for her nieces.