Karl's Family 

Born in St. Louis, I'm the youngest of three boys. Our family history is a tapestry of resilience and determination. My father, a driven individual, financed his private schooling by running a paper route in South Min. At the tender age of 12, he was diagnosed with jovial-onset diabetes. But that didn't deter him. His paper route not only funded his education but also paved the way for his college journey at Macalister in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Unfortunately, life threw another challenge his way at 23 when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Despite being wheelchair-bound by 38, he carved out a successful career at Minnesota Fabrics, managing their store in Bloomington's Southtown Mall. As MS progressed, he transitioned to sales, eventually leading our family to settle in St. Louis.

My mother, hailing from near downtown Minneapolis, pursued her passion for social work, earning a degree from the U of M. She's been a pillar of support throughout our family's journey.

My oldest brother's path has been fraught with struggles. Coming out at 14, he faced harsh realities, undergoing chemical treatments and stints at Hennepin County Medical Psych Ward. By 23, he was diagnosed with full-blown AIDS. Despite the odds, he perseveres, managing his mental illness and AIDS with grace. Today, he owns a small apartment building in downtown Minneapolis, a testament to his resilience.

As for my other brother, he's a decorated bachelor and aspiring professional gambler. With dreams of making it big on the national poker tour, he's currently gearing up for the prelims in Vegas this June. His passion and determination are palpable, and we're all rooting for his success.

I married at a young age, just 22, to a Hispanic migrant farmer. Our paths crossed while I was living on the U of M campus, although I didn't attend the university myself. Despite that, I got a taste of student life and the vibrant energy it exuded. At the time, I was climbing the ranks in the restaurant world.

An exciting opportunity arose for me to relocate to Door County, Wisconsin. My first wife, with her degree in philosophy, and I embarked on this new chapter together. However, amidst the excitement, tragedy struck. My father passed away at the age of 56, succumbing to complications of MS and diabetes. His final years were marked by financial struggles, and upon his passing, our family faced the imminent sale of our home at a sheriff's auction.

In a bid to honor my father's memory and support my mother, we made the decision to move back to Bloomington, Minnesota. We moved into the family home, purchasing it from the bank and settling outstanding taxes. It was a challenging time, but it brought me back to my roots and underscored the importance of family and resilience in the face of adversity.

After my time in Bloomington, Minnesota, life took another turn as I moved to Rochester with my Hispanic wife, embracing the challenges of being a mixed-race couple in a new community. Despite the hurdles, our love endured, and we were blessed with two beautiful daughters, a surprise gift from above. However, my first marriage eventually ended in divorce, marking a difficult chapter in my life.

But love found me again, and I reentered the dating world, where I met the love of my life. We've been together for nearly 11 years now, celebrating six years of marriage. Our family is a beautiful blend, with four daughters ranging in age from 16 to 26, a son-in-law, and a precious 8-month-old granddaughter. Together, we navigate life's ups and downs, cherishing every moment and growing stronger as a family with each passing day.