Karla Kay Kispert Schwab, 49, of Owatonna, Minnesota, died Monday, May 14, 2018, at Methodist Hospital after a long battle with cancer.

She was born March 22, 1969, in Owatonna, the daughter of Gene and Fern (Solem) Kispert. Karla graduated with the Class of 1987 from Owatonna High School. She received her bachelors degree from Metropolitan State University in 1995. On June 29, 2002, she married Dennis Schwab. The couple made their home in Owatonna. Karla was a caregiver at REM Woodvale and Our Home South for many years. She enjoyed caring for and developing a relationship with her clients.

Karla was a bright and warm light for those who had the privilege of having her in their lives. She was witty, fun, cheerful, sweet, intelligent and compassionate. Her loss is devastating to her many friends and family and she leaves behind a large void in the lives of those she has touched.

Karla had an intense and endearing love for her beloved daughters, Katelyn and Maria. She was extremely proud of them, was a fiercely protective mother and was incredibly generous in her time, care and affection for her two daughters. For the vast majority of her adult life, she prioritized these two incredible girls. Karla also had great love and affection for her husband, who was her best friend and who will remain forever grateful to her for blessing him by saying “yes” to his proposal of marriage. Karla had tremendous affection and love for the rest of her family and for her many strong and cherished close friends. She also loved and doted on all of her pets. It was her wish to have a pet sanctuary someday.

Karla greatly enjoyed being with family, friends and pets and enjoyed nature, traveling, reading, having new adventures, motorcycle rides and time at the lake.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis Schwab of Owatonna; daughters, Katelyn Kispert Schwab of Winona, Minnesota, and Maria Schwab of Owatonna; father, Gene Kispert of Owatonna; brother, Steve Kispert of Owatonna; sister, Kathy (Scott) Kispert Marshall of Crosby, Minnesota; and many nieces, nephews and close friends.

She was preceded in death by mother, Fern Kispert; and sister-in-law, Lisa Hilstad.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with the Rev. Greg Schlicker officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Friday at Michaelson Funeral Home and from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Interment will be in the St. John Cemetery in Owatonna.