Beloved Amboy Firefighter, Husband, and Father Dies in Line of Duty
Amboy, MN — The town of Amboy is heartbroken. On June 2, 2025, tragedy struck when 34-year-old firefighter Andrew Karels died while serving in the line of duty. A familiar face in the community and a trusted figure on the Amboy Fire Department for nearly a decade, Andrew’s passing has left a void that words can hardly fill.
He wasn’t just a firefighter. He was a husband. A dad. A soldier. A friend. A neighbor who always waved. A guy who made you laugh, even after a tough call and now, he’s gone.
A Man Who Wore Many Hats — All with Heart
Andrew T. Karels wasn’t someone you’d forget. Born on June 5, 1990, and raised with strong values in southern Minnesota, he served in the Minnesota Army National Guard
from 2007 to 2014. His military discipline met its match in his small-town charm — the perfect combination for someone who would dedicate his life to helping others.
He joined the Amboy Fire Department in 2016, eventually becoming the department’s medical officer. His commitment wasn’t just about duty; it was deeply personal. He took pride in making sure his crew — and his town — was safe.
According to Fire Chief Manuel Sanders, Andrew had a magnetic personality:
“He had this sharp sense of humor that could cut through any bad day. And his heart? Just as sharp, just as big.”
Family First, Always
While Andrew was a firefighter and a community servant, his proudest role was that of husband to Morgan and father to Corbin (7) and Evie (9).
They were his world. Whether it was cheering at a youth baseball game, helping with homework, or just cracking jokes at the dinner table, Andrew was all-in. He’d come home, scoop up his kids, and belt out “I love YOU!” at the top of his lungs. He brought that same joyful energy into every part of his life.
He and Morgan, high school sweethearts, married in 2014 and built a home filled with love, laughter, and Legos. He also loved working with his hands — farming, building, fixing — anything that let him stay connected to the land and people around him.
A Sudden Loss That Shook the Community
No one was prepared for the news that came on June 2. During a routine emergency response, something went terribly wrong. Andrew didn’t make it home.
Governor Tim Walz has since ordered Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff from June 6 to June 8 in Andrew’s honor — a gesture reserved for line-of-duty deaths and state heroes.
“Andrew served his community with compassion and professionalism,” the governor said. “His loss is deeply felt across Minnesota.”
A Wave of Grief — and Support
In the wake of Andrew’s passing, the Amboy community and surrounding towns have come together in the most heartfelt way. Tributes have poured in — from fire departments, friends, strangers, and old Army buddies. They’re sending stories, sharing photos, and remembering the guy who always showed up.
A GoFundMe campaign has been started to help Andrew’s family with funeral costs and other unexpected expenses. There’s also a benefit account at Community Bank in Amboy.
“We’re overwhelmed,” Morgan shared in a statement. “Every message, every hug, every donation — it feels like Andrew is still here with us, in a way.”
Celebration of Life Services
Friends, family, and first responders will come together to say goodbye during the visitation at Northview–North Mankato Mortuary on June 8 (1–4 p.m.) and a Celebration of Life on June 9 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Amboy. He’ll be laid to rest at Pleasant View Cemetery, surrounded by the community he loved.
The Amboy Fire Department will be in full dress uniform. Sirens will sound. Helmets will be raised. And hearts will break — quietly, together.
A Legacy That Will Echo for Years
Andrew’s impact went beyond emergencies and calls for help. He taught EMS classes across the region, mentored young recruits, and served as treasurer at St. Paul’s Church. He believed in doing things the right way — with honesty, grit, and kindness.
One of his colleagues said it best:
“Andrew didn’t just fight fires. He built people up.”
How You Can Help
If you’re looking to honor Andrew’s life, here’s how:
Donate to the official GoFundMe for the Karels family
Contribute to the benefit account at Community Bank, Amboy
Share your memories using #RememberAndrewKarels or #AmboyHero
Attend the memorial events or simply keep the family in your thoughts
Every act of support, no matter how small, keeps Andrew’s legacy alive.
Final Call
Andrew Karels didn’t set out to be a hero — he just lived like one. Day after day. Quietly. Selflessly. With heart.
And even though he’s gone, his story continues — in the lives he touched, in the family he built, and in the town he served so well.
Rest in peace, Andrew. You’ve answered your final call. But your light will never go out.
