Gov. Walz orders flags to fly half-staff in honor of late Amboy firefighter

Published: Jun. 6, 2025 at 8:48 PM CDT

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KEYC) - On Friday, Governor Tim Walz ordered all flags in the United States and Minnesota to fly at half-staff in honor and remembrance of late Amboy firefighter Andrew Karels.

The governor ordered the flags to fly at half-staff from sunrise Saturday morning to sunset Monday evening.

Karels served as the department’s medical officer and died on Jun. 2. According to the Minnesota Fire Service Foundation, his death meets the state statute’s standard to be considered a line of duty death.

Karels had served nearly 10 years with the Amboy Fire Department.

A funeral service will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Amboy. Visitation will be held Sunday at Northview Mortuary in Mankato.

Karels is survived by his wife and two children. Donations to support the Karels family may be sent to the following address: Community Bank - P.O. Box 368 - Amboy, MN 56010

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