Kari Jo Jarvi

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kari Jo Jarvi, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Kari was born on March 5, 1964, in Aurora, Minnesota, to Mary Kathleen “Kathy” and Carl Raymond “Ray” Jarvi, and passed away unexpectedly at Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota, on March 6, 2025. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and selflessness that will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew her.

Kari grew up in Aurora and had what she always described as an idyllic childhood, full of camping, swimming, skiing, and other fun adventures with family and friends. She later recreated these joyful years and experiences for her own children and grandchildren. After graduating from Aurora-Hoyt Lakes High School, she went on to complete a degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 1986. Residing in Duluth with her husband of 33 years, James “Jim” Berry, she worked as an accountant and controller for a variety of companies including Interim HealthCare and Mellin Promotional Advertising. A proud Finn, her resilience and stubborn determination defined her character and inspired those around her. She never shied away from hard work and did so with a quiet but powerful grace.

Kari enjoyed participating in and following sports, with her success as a competitive swimmer in high school and college leading to her engagement as a swim coach at the Duluth YMCA for several years. She later transitioned to tennis, a sport shared with her husband and two children, traveling many miles during weekends and summers to support their participation in tennis tournaments around the state and region. Kari also loved gardening and flower arranging, and her friends and family looked forward to receiving her holiday arrangements and spring porch pots every year. She also enjoyed planning and hosting events and was known as the “queen of appetizers.”

Kari brought light into every room she entered. Whether it was through her laughter, her warmth, or the comfort of her presence, she had a unique ability to make those around her feel special. To her children, Kari was not only a mother but their anchor, their protector, and their greatest cheerleader. She gave them unconditional love and support, teaching them the values of kindness, perseverance, and the importance of hard work. Her love was the foundation upon which they built their lives and will continue to guide them in the days and years to come.

Kari was preceded in death by her father Ray and her grandparents. She is survived by her mother Kathy, sisters Jill Jarvi and Carla Jarvi (Chris Soller), her husband Jim and their children Brenden (Jordan) Berry and Kendra (Jamison) Young, and grandsons Philip Mattson and Phoenix Berry.

Kari will be inurned in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Aurora with a memorial service later this spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local food shelf.

While we mourn her loss, we also celebrate Kari’s life and the incredible person she was—strong, determined, loving, and fiercely devoted to those she cared for. She will be missed more than words can express.