Dr. Karl Mischke, DVM, 63, of Kansas City, Missouri died April 20, 2017 of natural causes. Visitation is 3:00 p.m., followed by Celebration of Life Service at 4:00, Monday, May 1, 2017 at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 1441 NE Englewood Road, Kansas City, MO. Arrangements made by Cremation Society of Kansas & Missouri.

The oldest of five children, Karl was born March 7, 1954 in Meriden, Connecticut, son of the late Rita Reynolds Mischke and John Mischke. He graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia with a degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1989. Dr. Mischke loved solving the difficult cases and realized soon after graduation that the unique skills needed to practice emergency medicine would offer not only the greatest challenges, but the greatest rewards, giving him the opportunity and the privilege of helping pets and their people in their time of need. At the urging of his colleagues, he opened the Animal Emergency Center in 1993. He was known as a skilled surgeon and clinician among his peers, and built a practice and reputation among his colleagues and patients as being a trusted doctor who truly cared about the patients he served. In his spare time, he enjoyed his farm, hunting and fishing, especially while in the company of his children.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Nyla; his three children, Ashley, Nicholas and Emily, all of Kansas City; his father, John of Middletown, CT; and four brothers and sisters, Antaylor Mango, Farmington, CT; Kevin (Diane) Mischke; Durham, CT; Ellen (Denis) Lee, Marana, AZ; and Kurt (Leslie) of Meriden, CT. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Northminster Presbyterian Church in honor of Dr. Karl Mischke. Proceeds will be used to benefit advancements in veterinary research and emergency care.