FAYETTEVILLE — It was a cold day January 22, 1966, when Kari Bowdoin
Griggs entered this world with bright red hair and a strong, independent spirit that took root and continued to grow throughout her life. That life ended suddenly February 9, 2022. She was only 56 years old.
Kari grew up in Jacksonville, Ark., graduating from North Pulaski High School as salutatorian. Her love of math and science continued as she made her way to the University of Arkansas to study Industrial Engineering. She was a serious student, completed her degree a semester early, and entered the work force to begin her engineering career. For the last 21 years she has been employed by Nilfisk in Springdale with home offices in Denmark and plants around the world. She held various roles during her tenure there: Industrial Engineer, Sr. Engineer, New Product Development Planning Engineer and most recently her current role as USDC Project Manager.
Kari’s hard work and continued emphasis for improving USDC’s readiness for new product launches are examples of her driving force and immeasurable qualities. She was a valued member of cross-functional teams working both domestically and internationally in 43 countries where she was well known and greatly respected. Her coworkers noted her strength and ability to communicate clearly, effectively and respectfully with all levels of employees throughout the company worldwide. For many years she emphasized and supported a program at Nilfisk participating as a coach and mentor for graduating college engineering students preparing them for their first jobs. While working full time, she also completed her MBA through Webster University. In 2011 she was inducted into the Arkansas Academy of Industrial Engineers.
Her children Megan and Blake say they were raised by a warrior mom. She was an intelligent and independent mother who loved them fiercely and would sacrifice anything to help them achieve their goals. Always ready to listen and supply good advice, Kari could offer the solution to any situation. Megan and Blake never doubted that their mother would be in their corner for whatever they might encounter. She loved her sonin-law and daughter-in-law just as fiercely as her own. They felt she was more of a mother-inlove. Her grandchildren loved their Gigi and enjoyed helping her every spring with gardening, planting flowers and vegetables. Kari also passed along her love of arts and crafts as they spent hours together on creative projects. Kari’s diversity of interests can also be noted in her mastery of cross stitching, cooking, and decorating, and she reinvented her house for each season and holiday. She shared her husband Tony’s love of motorcycles, riding for hours through the mountains of Northwest Arkansas. They also shared a passion for the National Hot Rod Association, watching and attending drag races. Tony claimed she was the smartest person he had ever known. Kari was a passionate lover of animals, especially Stryker, her Alaskan malamute. Kari’s kindness and empathy were always present when she saw a person in need. She was always willing to help.
Kari is preceded in death by her father Jim Bowdoin and grandson Theo Petray. She is survived by the love of her life, her husband and best friend of 18 years, Tony Griggs, her mother Pam Bowdoin (Ron Miller) of Fayetteville, her children Megan Holt (Jon) of Prairie Grove, Blake Petray (Kennedy) of Maumelle, and three grandchildren Haidyn, Logan, and Makenzie “Lou” Holt all of Prairie Grove, along with a host of extended family and friends. She will be missed by many.
There will be visitation February 18 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home, 4520 Crossover Road, Fayetteville, AR. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to The Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter (P.O. Box 1059, Rogers, AR 72757) (nwaws.org) or The American Heart Association (heart.org). Both organizations are accessible for donations through their websites. To place an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com