Amboy, MN (KROC-AM News) - U.S. and Minnesota flags are flying at half-staff this weekend in honor of a fallen firefighter from southern Minnesota.

Governor Tim Walz issued a proclamation Friday directing that U.S. and Minnesota flags be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise today until sunset on Monday in remembrance of Firefighter Andrew Karels. The Minnesota Fire Service Foundation has determined that the 35-year-old Amboy firefighter's death on Monday met the state statute standard to be considered a line-of-duty death.

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The governor’s proclamation says Karels served as a firefighter in the Mankato-area community for nearly a decade. He was also a seven-year veteran of the Minnesota National Guard and deployed to Kuwait with the Red Bull Infantry Division as part of Operation New Dawn in 2011 and 2012.

The Governor Has Ordered Flags Lowered to Half Staff Until Sunset on Monday

A news release issued by the Minnesota Fire Service Foundation says the funeral service for Karels will take place Monday morning at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Amboy. A visitation is scheduled from 1 until 4 p.m. on Sunday at Northview Mortuary in Mankato.

“Andrew was a guy who’d grow on you fast. He had a big personality, a sharp sense of humor and a heart just as big,” said Amboy Fire Chief Manuel Sanders. “He became part of the fabric of this community. He gave his all, every day.”

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Karels is survived by his wife and two children. A fundraiser has been established to assist his family. Donations are being accepted by the Community Bank in Amboy through the Andrew Karels Benefit account.

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