MENDOTA - Karl Michael Soliman, 12, of Mendota was taken home to heaven on Dec. 1, 2018.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6 at Holy Cross Church, Mendota with Father Peter Pilon officiating. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Mendota. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at the church with a Rosary at 3:15 p.m. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is handling the arrangements.

Karl was born June 23, 2006 in Peoria to Shawn and Amy (Matheis) Soliman.

Survivors include his parents Shawn and Amy Soliman; his siblings, Ryan, Lily and Elsie; paternal grandparents, Richard and Marguerite Soliman; maternal grandparents, David and Christine Matheis; and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

We knew Karl was special and unique from the day he was born, with his radiant red hair and beautiful blue eyes. His charismatic smile will be remembered by everyone. Growing up, he loved dinosaurs and Thomas the Train. He loved animals and had many pets through the years – multiple fish, lizards, rats, hamsters, a gerbil, a cat and dogs - Emmy and his favorite, Sandy.

Karl was a dedicated student, always making high honor roll. He was a multi-sport athlete and star, a lover of the outdoors and all things in life. He started his athletic passion with soccer and played outdoor soccer for many years. He also enjoyed indoor soccer. He was the fastest one on the field. He enjoyed basketball at the Illinois Valley YMCA and then started playing for the Warriors at Holy Cross School in 5th grade. From day one, he was the core of the team and the point guard that pulled the team together, keeping everyone in the right mindset. He loved track and field, where he strived to jump farther and run faster in the long jump, 100m dash, 200m dash and 4x100. His talent in golf took him to sectionals twice with his best friends. He loved playing baseball for Mendota Little League as well as the Tribe-Holy Cross/ Waltham/ Dimmick Team. He loved running 5K races and filled his room with well-earned medals and ribbons. He loved participating in athletic training sessions and basketball camps where he absorbed every new thing he learned. He spent summers swimming at the Mendota Public Pool, playing in the back yard, and riding his bike with his family and friends. He was a talented trombone player in the Mendota Northbrook Middle School band.

With his love of the outdoors, he spent many hours fishing with his family and friends and hunting with his dad. He loved playing Fortnite, Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, Mario Party and NBA 2K with his family and friends. He loved going on road trips across the country with his family and their many trips to Wisconsin were always an adventure, filled with fun that included fishing, tubing, swimming, sledding and ice skating. He loved going to water parks. He loved going to all professional sport games, most often the Chicago Fire, Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bulls games.

He did everything with determination, perseverance, and passion. He was a mentor to so many young children, always watching out for them. We pray that his passion and spirit continue to live on in the hearts of the many people he impacted during his short, but full life.

Memorials may be directed to the family for several memorials to be established in Karl’s name.