Karel has solid Midwestern roots spending her growing up years in St. Paul, Chicago, and Kansas City and moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan, following graduation from college in 1966. Karel's first professional job was with the Commission on Professional and Hospital al Activities in Ann Arbor, and it was that connection that led her to Rochester and Mayo Clinic. Her academic preparation in Biology and Health Information Management were helpful in meeting needs of hospitals and health care organizations in response to the newly implemented Medicare programs. Two Mayo physicians recruited Karel to Mayo in 1979 to help with Mayos research classifications and health data needs.

In Karel's 30 years at Mayo, she served in a variety of administrative assignments, the aforementioned research, in operations administration and finally serving as Mayo's first administrator for community relations from 1999 until her retirement in 2009.

Karel has been active in many community organizations serving on numerous boards, committees and task forces, and currently also serves on the board of the Minnesota Zoo and chairs the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund.

Karel was invited into Rotary by Dr. Phil Karsell in 1998 and has enjoyed being involved in a variety of Rotary activities and committees, serving on the Board as Treasurer, and President-elect Nominee, and President-elect for 2009-2010 Rotary year. Karel is proud to be a Rotarian and all that it stands for in our community and in our world. Service above self may be a short motto, but it speaks volumes in its humanitarian impact.

Karel happily shares her home with a Cairn terrier, Nutmeg and finds her life constantly enriched by many friends, including the 240 members of the Rotary Club of Rochester! Favorite relaxation spot is the North Shore of Lake Superior and hobbies are reading, hiking and cooking.