Karyn G. Enestvedt-Sportel

Karyn G. Enestvedt-Sportel, age 69, of Carlos, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Sanford Health Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota.

A gathering to celebrate Karyn’s life will be held from 5–7 p.m. on Monday, August 25, 2025, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria, concluding with a time of sharing. The celebration will continue from 1–3 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sacred Heart. Following the service, a graveside committal will be held at 4 p.m. at Opdal Lutheran Cemetery in Sacred Heart. As Karyn was such a devoted Minnesota Vikings Fan, please feel free to attend wearing your favorite Viking apparel.

Karyn Gail was born on November 26, 1955, to Bert and Iverne (Jordet) Enestvedt in Granite Falls. She grew up in Sacred Heart and was confirmed at Opdal Lutheran Church. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1974 and continued her education at the University of Minnesota–Morris, graduating in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in education. In 1984, she earned her master’s degree in special education from St. Cloud State University.

Karyn taught and coached in Thief River Falls, Olivia, and Parkers Prairie before becoming the Special Education Coordinator for the Freshwater Education District. She retired in 2014. She also coached Special Olympics in gymnastics and later in golf, dedicating over 50 years to the program.

Karyn met Steve Sportel and his children, Jeni and Scott, in 1981. They officially became a family on June 16, 1984.

Beyond education, coaching, and Special Olympics, Karyn enjoyed fishing and golfing, and she had a special love for her German Shorthaired Pointers. She also liked cruising in the ’56 Chevy, exploring the Minnesota River bottom, traveling, playing Hand & Foot, and taking part in a good meat raffle. She loved organizing the annual deer hunting gathering, spending time with family, and, most importantly, being with her grandchildren. Everyone Karyn met was considered a friend and always made to feel welcome.

She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law, Ben & Louise; a brother-in-law, and two nephews.

Karyn is survived by her husband, Steve; daughter, Jennifer (Daron) Hansen; son, Scott (Tina) Sportel; grandchildren, Dylan, Vincent, Blake, and Samantha; sisters, Nancy Solie, Mary (Lee) Wierschem, and Jean (Bill) Voelz; along with many nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Serving as urn bearers will be her grandchildren.

Memorials are preferred to Special Olympics Minnesota.