Kara Jean Oettinger passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on July 9, 2020.  Survived by her loving parents, Don and Myrna Oettinger; brother, Chris (Kelly) Oettinger; sister, Annie (Mike) Listiak and beloved nieces and nephews – Victoria, Jack, Jake, Kendall and Thomas Oettinger; Zach, Sam and Evelyn Listiak.

Kara graduated from Rosemount High School, attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse in Education.  She went on to earn her Master's Degree in Education and her Master's in Administration from St Mary's University.

Kara dedicated her life to special needs children and families, both in Minneapolis/St Paul and Oakland, California, as a classroom teacher, Program Director, and a District Administrator.  Her passion was working with families and coaching classroom teachers in an effort to provide children in need with the best options to succeed.  She worked tirelessly, often with limited resources and overwhelming need. Kara was especially gifted at connecting to students with learning disabilities, behavioral disabilities, and autism, providing stability and helping students realize their worth and potential. Kara touched the lives of many students and families.

Kara will be missed by her family and friends who remember her beautiful smile, sense of humor, fearlessness, and generosity of spirit.  A celebration of life and Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at Church of the Risen Savior, 1501 County Rd 42 E, Burnsville, MN 55306. Per family request, please wear masks. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Hennepin Healthcare Foundation c/o Hospice Services (giving.hcmed.org/hospice) or Second Harvest Heartland Food Bank.