Karl Green
September 14, 1954 ~ June 21, 2022
Karl Robert Green, 67, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away surrounded by family and friends on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at UnityPoint St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids. Family and friends will gather for a visitation from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, June 26, 2022, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. The service at the funeral home and inurnment at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery will be private for the family.
Survivors include his brothers, Kent Green of San Francisco, California, and Kraig Green of Iowa City; nephews, Dan Green and Brady Green; nieces, Claire Green and Julia Green; and former sister-in-law, Lorrie Kasal.
Karl was born on September 14, 1954, in Cedar Rapids, the son of William and Marie (Porter) Green. He graduated from LaSalle High School in 1972 and Mount Mercy College in 1976 with a degree in history. Karl's younger years were spent doing all of the many boy things with his brothers. They have lots of memories of being outside, especially boating, skiing, and fishing. Karl stayed active and healthy throughout his life.
He cherished living a simple life filled with kindness and humility. He focused his energy on taking care of others before himself and bringing joy to those around him. Karl was a gifted creative writer penning poems, novels, and jokes. He loved telling jokes! His thoughtful life insights were featured in a 'My Turn' Newsweek essay in 2007.
Karl enjoyed his yearly bell ringing for the Salvation Army, and volunteering at the Washington High School Library and the Cedar Rapids Public Library. Karl's kind and gentle ways will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Marie, and his uncle, Bob Green.
Memorials are suggested to the Salvation Army.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
My sincere condolences to Karl’s family and friends. I had the pleasure of getting to know Karl through his volunteer time at the library. He always had a joke to tell and story to share. He was such a kind hearted and generous soul, caring and compassionate to everyone. May you find comfort in your memories and strength in your faith.
Karl always had encouraging words for me and conveyed a gentle and kind spirit. He had a great sense of humor — one that did not come at the expense of others. I want to wish Karl’s family and friends happy shared memories during this otherwise difficult time. Peace.
Just over twenty years ago, my mother saidvI had to meet someone in her writing group. She said he was one of the most kind, prolific, and generous people she had ever known. Karl was even more amazing than described. From then on, Karl was a friend, a writing mentor, eternally encouraging, and what every human should aspire to be. He cared so sweetly for the earth and everyone on it. My favorite moment for him came when he was published in Newsweek, and Dennis Miller read that beautiful piece of “Am I Poor,” on his radio show in its entirety. Karl deserved such joy and praise, because gave so much more to us every day.
I haven’t seen Karl for many years, but was sorry to learn we’ve lost such a gentle man. I can’t remember if I met him through a sustainability group at Prairiewoods, or through my dear friend Kathy Symonette (Karl had provided end-of-life care to her brother, and they remained fast friends after that). I’ve always remembered an anecdote Karl shared in our group after he stopped driving out of regard for the environment: one day he was walking across a ditch, and found a $100 bill! This would not have happened were he still getting around by car, and seemed like a blessing on his decision. Wishing all his family and friends comfort and peace.