The University of Iowa athletics community, the city of Iowa City, and healthcare colleagues across the region are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Kari (Mueller) Pekar. A former Hawkeye women’s volleyball letterwinner and dedicated registered nurse, Kari passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the young age of 33 following a valiant, courageous battle with cancer.
Kari was a deeply admired figure within Iowa sports culture, known for her extraordinary work ethic, elite defensive prowess, and her radiant, supportive character. Her passing leaves a profound void among her former teammates, coaches, patients, and the extensive Hawkeye community.
The Legacy of Kari (Mueller) Pekar (1993 – 2026)
Kari (Mueller) Pekar | Institutional & Athletic Profile
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Date of Passing : Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Age : 33 Years Old
Hometown : Iowa City, Iowa
Alma Maters : University of Iowa (B.S. in Health & Human Physiology, 2015)
Kirkwood Community College (Nursing Degree, 2018)
Athletic Affiliation : University of Iowa Women's Volleyball Team (2011-2014)
High School Legacy : Iowa City High School (All-Time Digs Leader)
Beloved Spouse : Peter Pekar (Former Iowa Hawkeyes Football Tight End)
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From Hometown Hero to Hawkeye Standout
A true native of Iowa City, Kari built a formidable legacy long before stepping onto the Big Ten stage. At Iowa City High School, she established herself as an elite defensive specialist, earning all-state honors as a senior and solidifying her place as the school’s all-time career digs leader.
Her stellar high school trajectory seamlessly translated to her collegiate career at the University of Iowa, where she proudly represented the Hawkeyes from 2011 to 2014:
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Consistent Reliability: Kari was a model of durability and consistency, appearing in more than 20 high-stakes matches during each of her four competitive seasons in the Big Ten.
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The Career Stat Line: Over the course of her collegiate journey, she stepped onto the hardwood for 93 total matches and earned 17 starts.
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Defensive Core: She concluded her impactful career with 357 digs, 33 assists, and 17 service aces, anchoring the Hawkeyes’ back-row defense with relentless intensity.
A Life Dedicated to Health, Care, and Family
Kari’s ambition extended far beyond athletic accolades. Upon earning her Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Physiology from the University of Iowa in 2015, she channeled her deep empathy into a career in medicine, graduating with her nursing degree from Kirkwood Community College in 2018 to serve others on the frontline of healthcare.
In 2022, she married the love of her life, former University of Iowa football tight end Peter Pekar, uniting two beloved Hawkeye athletic families.
The Multifaceted Impact of Kari Pekar
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[ The Competitor ] ---> Played with a relentless, baseline-to-baseline energy,
consistently elevating Iowa's defensive sets.
[ The Caregiver ] ---> Balanced rigorous athletic demands with academic focus,
transitioning seamlessly into a dedicated nursing career.
[ The Hawkeye ] ---> Rooted entirely in Iowa City excellence, representing
the highest tier of local sportsmanship and integrity.
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Community Flooded with Moving Tributes
Following the university’s official announcement of her passing, an immense wave of condolences, online memorials, and shared memories flooded local sports networks and fan hubs, honoring the vibrant life Kari led.
“Former University of Iowa Women’s volleyball letterwinner Kari (Mueller) Pekar has died following a battle with cancer, the university announced. Our condolences go out to her family and friends. Cancer sucks.”
— Hawkeye Heaven Official Tribute
Support and Celebration of Life Details
Kari (Mueller) Pekar lived her 33 years with exceptional grace, powerful purpose, and an unshakeable team-first mentality. While her life was cut tragically short by an unforgiving illness, the deep footprint she left on Iowa sports history and within the halls of healthcare will endure permanently.
The thoughts, prayers, and profound sympathy of the entire state of Iowa are with her husband, Peter Pekar, her parents, her extended family, and her vast network of friends, teammates, and patients.
A formal community celebration of Kari’s beautiful life will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, in Brookfield, Wisconsin, where loved ones will gather to honor her remarkable journey and enduring legacy. May she rest in eternal peace.