Preston Lee Sombath Karschnik

Preston Lee Sombath Karschnik, age 23, of Mountain Lake, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly after experiencing health complications on July 29, 2026, at Windom Area Health.

Preston was born on February 7, 2003, in Windom, Minnesota, to Kari Karschnik and Sombath Naly. He attended Mountain Lake Public School from kindergarten through twelfth grade and graduated in 2021.

Preston worked at A&W in Mountain Lake for several years, where he was a valued coworker and friend. His coworkers enjoyed working alongside him and looked forward to sharing shifts. Preston also spent a brief time working at Toro in Windom with his mom.

Growing up, Preston loved spending time with his dad, Sombath, going fishing. He also spent much of his childhood with "Grandpa" Steve, who introduced him to the love of baseball, which continued into his adult life.

As a talented artist, Preston loved drawing. He enjoyed listening to a wide variety of music such as Michael Jackson, Ozzy Osbourne, and Frank Sinatra. He enjoyed playing video games with his sister and friends. Preston kept his circle of friends small, but those friendships were very important to him. He loved spending time with his beloved dog, Molly Mae, who passed away shortly before him.

Preston had a special bond with his mom, Kari. She reflected on their relationship, stating that he was her rock, and that they were virtually the same person. They shared a similar taste in music, clothing, and shoes, and enjoyed going to import car shows together. Kari and Preston had the same dry sense of humor and were able to understand each other with a simple glance.

Preston's greatest joy in life was spending time with Aria. Together, they enjoyed riding scooters, swimming in the pool, having movie nights with mom, and fishing; although Aria was always the one who had to handle the fish, because Preston preferred not to get his hands dirty. He was a devoted and protective big brother who treasured their time together.

Preston shared a special relationship with his grandma Char. Rarely did a day pass without the two of them talking, and whenever she needed something, Preston was the first to jump in and help.

Preston loved trips to the Black Hills to visit his grandparents, Dean and Jennifer. They spent time exploring the area, taking in the beautiful scenery, and making special memories together.

Preston was humble, kind, genuine, and soft-spoken. He had a big heart, a gentle soul, and an unforgettable smile. Although he was quiet, his kindness was loud. He will be remembered for the love he gave to others and the gentle way he moved through the world.

Preston is lovingly remembered by his mother, Kari Karschnik; sister, Aria Fedder; grandparents, Charlene Karschnik, Dean and Jennifer Karschnik, and Thong Naly; aunts and uncles, Heather (Jon) Gerdes, Jesse (Carolyn) Karschnik, Vatsana Naly (Tim Song), Jasmin (Dan) Seppanen, and Abby (Eric) Ahmann; cousins, Alex (Kenzie) Gerdes, Ethan (Anna) Karschnik, Eli Karschnik (Jeana Denton), Evan Karschnik, Alex Long, Ryan Long, Natalya Song, Evan Song, Blake Kooiman (Jess Johnson), Paige (Braydin) Warner, Maggie Ahmann, and Ellie Ahmann.

He was preceded in death by his father, Sombath Naly; grandfather, Thonglo Naly, and cousin, Eric-John Niss de Jesus.

Visitation will be on Sunday, August 9th, 2026, from 3:00PM to 7:00PM at Mountain Lake Alliance Church in Mountain Lake, Minnesota and will continue on Monday from 1-2PM at the church.

Funeral Service will be held at Mountain Lake Alliance Church on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 2:00PM.

The funeral will be live streamed on Mountain Lake Alliance-YouTube under Preston Karschnik - Celebration of Life.

Interment will be at a later date.

Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Mountain Lake, MN. Online Condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.