Karolyn Sue “Kari” Vander Woude, daughter of James “Jim” and Mary (McPherson) Jeppesen, was born in Sibley on May 3, 1965. She spent her youth in Sanborn, where she attended Sanborn Community School, graduating with the class of 1983.
Following graduation, Kari continued her education at Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg, with an emphasis on criminal justice.