October 15, 2026

Kari (Mueller) Pekar, a former University of Iowa volleyball player and nursing graduate from Iowa City, Iowa, passed away on June 10 at the age of 33 following a battle with cancer. She is remembered for her compassion, kindness, joyful spirit, and dedication to the people around her.

Kari’s passing has brought sadness to her family, friends, former teammates, and members of the University of Iowa community. While she earned recognition through her athletic achievements, her legacy also reflects her academic accomplishments, nursing education, and the meaningful relationships she built throughout her life.

Kari Pekar’s Early Life and Volleyball Career

Kari grew up in Iowa City and developed her volleyball skills at City High. During her senior year, she earned all-state recognition and became the school’s all-time leader in career digs, an achievement that reflected her ability, determination, and commitment to the sport.

Her high-school accomplishments helped lead to a collegiate volleyball career with the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. Kari represented the university from 2011 through 2014, competing in more than 20 matches during each of her four seasons with the team.

Across her collegiate career, she appeared in 93 matches and made 17 starts. She recorded 357 digs, 33 assists, and 17 service aces, contributing to the team through her defensive play and consistent effort.

Her years as a Hawkeye formed an important part of her life, providing opportunities to compete, develop as an athlete, and build lasting relationships with teammates. Her contribution to the program remains part of her story within the University of Iowa athletic community.

Education and Nursing Career

Beyond volleyball, Kari pursued her academic interests at the University of Iowa, graduating in 2015 with a degree in health and human physiology.

She continued her education at Kirkwood Community College, where she earned her nursing degree in 2018. This marked another significant chapter in her life, as she pursued a profession centered on caring for others.

Tributes following her passing have emphasized Kari’s compassion and kindness. Her athletic achievements were an important part of her journey, but she is also remembered for the warmth and joy she brought to her personal relationships.

Her education and nursing training reflected a path that extended beyond sports, combining academic achievement with preparation for a career dedicated to helping people.

Kari Pekar’s Marriage and Personal Life

Kari married Peter Pekar, a former University of Iowa football tight end, in 2022. Their connection to the university reflects the important role the Iowa community played in her life.

Kari’s relationships with family, friends, and former teammates were central to the tributes shared following her death. Those remembering her have highlighted not only her determination but also the kindness and compassion that shaped her interactions with others.

Her life connected several communities, including Iowa City, the University of Iowa athletic program, and people associated with her nursing education and career.

Kari Pekar’s Cause of Death

Kari (Mueller) Pekar died on June 10 at the age of 33 following a battle with cancer, according to the information provided for this obituary.

The announcement described her fight as courageous but did not identify the type of cancer or provide further medical details. No additional conclusions about her illness should be drawn beyond the information supplied.

As loved ones and former teammates remember Kari, attention has also turned to the life she lived, her athletic dedication, her education, and the compassion she shared with others.

Kari Pekar’s Celebration of Life

A celebration of Kari’s life was announced for Thursday, July 30, in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The gathering was intended to give family, friends, and others who cared about her an opportunity to honor her memory and reflect on the impact she made.

The information provided did not include the venue, time, or further details about the arrangements.

Remembering Kari (Mueller) Pekar

Kari Pekar’s legacy extends beyond the statistics she recorded on the volleyball court. Her years with the Iowa Hawkeyes reflected dedication, teamwork, and perseverance, while her academic journey and nursing education represented another important part of her life.

Those remembering Kari have highlighted her compassion, joy, and kindness—qualities that made her special to the people who knew her. Her story brought together athletic achievement, education, professional development, and meaningful personal relationships.

Her death at 33 has left family, friends, and former teammates grieving. Yet the memories she created and the relationships she built remain important parts of her legacy.

Kari (Mueller) Pekar will be remembered with affection and respect for her achievements, the courage described in accounts of her battle with cancer, and the kindness she shared with those around her.