Former Iowa Volleyball Star Kari Pekar Dies at 33; Claire Kittle Pays Tribute
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Former University of Iowa volleyball standout Kari Pekar has died at age 33 after a courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of athletic excellence and a community mourning her loss.
Claire Kittle, wife of San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle and a former Hawkeye women's basketball player, shared a heartfelt tribute to her longtime friend on Instagram Stories Friday, July 31. “How lucky are we to have the most beautiful angel watching over us forever,” Kittle wrote, sharing footage from Pekar's memorial service. “We love you with every part of us, Karbear.”
Kittle noted the memorial held Thursday, July 30, “was beautiful.”
Who Was Kari Pekar?
Pekar, born Kari Mueller, played for the Hawkeyes volleyball team from 2011 to 2014, appearing in 20 or more matches each season. Over her four-year career, she played in 93 matches and made 17 starts, finishing with 357 digs, 33 assists, and 17 aces.
She graduated from the University of Iowa in 2015 with a degree in health and human physiology and later earned a nursing degree from Kirkwood Community College. She is survived by her husband, Peter Pekar, and their young daughter, Ivy.
What Did Claire Kittle Say About Her Friend?
In a previous Instagram post last month, Kittle wrote: “We've dreaded this day. Our sweet, perfect girl Karbear went to Heaven. There is no one more caring, more loving, more genuine, or more kind than Kari. We didn't deserve her, and God knew it. She gets to be home with Him now, finally pain-free.”
Kittle added: “Kari is the strongest girl we know. She endured more in her young life than most people could ever bear, and we are so proud of her. We stand in awe of her every single day. She lived her life so fully, so happily and so positively.”
A Hawkeye Bond That Lasted Beyond College
Kari and Claire met at the University of Iowa, where both were student-athletes. Claire began dating George Kittle during college, years before he was drafted by the 49ers in 2017. The couple married in 2019.
Claire has since become a prominent figure in the NFL community, often speaking about her role as a supportive spouse and her pride in the 49ers organization. “This is our eighth year, which is just rare in itself to have him play for one team for his entire career thus far,” she told Us Weekly in 2024. “We're just so blessed and grateful to be part of this organization.”
She also dismissed the notion of rivalries among NFL spouses, emphasizing a spirit of unity. “Women are more involved in sports. They're more interested in what's going on,” she said. “I'm huge on empowering women. We can all be great, we can all be successful.”
How Is the Iowa Community Responding?
The University of Iowa volleyball program released a statement in June honoring Pekar's life and contributions. “University of Iowa volleyball letterwinner Kari [Mueller] Pekar passed away June 10 following a courageous battle with cancer,” the statement read. “Pekar was a member of the Iowa volleyball team from 2011-14, where she appeared in 20+ matches in each of her four seasons as a Hawkeye.”
Fans, teammates, and friends have shared memories and condolences on social media, remembering Pekar for her kindness, strength, and positive spirit.
What Is Kari Pekar's Legacy?
Pekar's legacy extends beyond the volleyball court. Her nursing career reflected a commitment to caring for others, and her battle with cancer inspired many. As Claire Kittle put it, “She gets to be home with Him now, finally pain-free.”
For Iowans, Pekar represents the resilience and community values that define the Hawkeye State. Her story reminds us of the importance of faith, family, and friendship in the face of life's greatest challenges.
This article is based on reporting from Us Weekly and the University of Iowa.