Stories shared through speaking, reflection, and writing.
Karin Derenne is a member of the clergy, ethicist, educator, and author whose work has been shaped by more than three decades in healthcare systems, hospice care, higher education, and faith communities. Her vocation has centered on helping individuals, families, and institutions navigate life’s most profound moments, times of grief, ethical decision-making, spiritual questioning, and personal transition.
Throughout her career, Karin has served in roles including clinical chaplain, director of spiritual care, ethics leader, educator, and facilitator. Her work has brought her alongside patients, families, clinicians, students, and communities as they grapple with complex decisions, loss, and the search for meaning.
Her voice as an author and speaker grows out of this lived experience, combining theological reflection, clinical wisdom, and the deeply human stories encountered along the way.
Decades of experience working with hospice programs, grief groups, and families experiencing loss.
Supporting individuals and organizations as they navigate difficult questions around care, dignity, and end-of-life decisions.
Providing compassionate spiritual presence in hospitals, care communities, and mental health settings.
Teaching ethics, religion, and critical thinking in higher education and professional settings.
Karin’s journey began in Wisconsin, where a lifelong love of learning and community involvement first took root. While studying sociology and gerontology at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, she completed an internship in a hospital hospice program. It was there, sitting at the bedside of a patient at the end of life, that she first experienced the profound privilege of accompanying someone in their final moments.
That experience changed the direction of her life.
Karin went on to pursue theological education at Wartburg Seminary, discerning a calling to chaplaincy—a specialized ministry dedicated to spiritual care in clinical settings. Over the years that followed, her work expanded across hospitals, healthcare systems, higher education institutions, and community organizations.
Her professional path has included serving as a board-certified chaplain, Director of Spiritual Services and Clinical Ethics within a major healthcare system, hospice chaplain, educator in ethics and religion, and leader in spiritual care.
Along the way, she also continued her own education, earning advanced degrees in bioethics and health policy as well as a Doctor of Ministry, deepening her ability to engage the complex moral and spiritual questions present in modern healthcare.
Today Karin continues her work serving elders, patients, students, and communities—bringing wisdom, compassion, and thoughtful reflection to the moments when people need it most.
Karin speaks and teaches on the questions that shape our lives and communities.
Through presentations, workshops, and classroom teaching, Karin brings both academic insight and real-world experience to conversations that matter deeply to individuals, caregivers, professionals, and communities.
Family, water, laughter, and the simple moments that remind us what matters.
Karin and her husband Joe raised their three children in Wisconsin and now find great joy in time with their five grandchildren, who remind her daily of the beauty of being present and the wisdom found in simple moments.
Outside of her professional work, Karin finds joy in reading, writing, music, kayaking, campfires by the water, and time spent with friends who can pick up right where a conversation left off—even years later.
She is equally happy exploring new places or sitting quietly with old stories, good chocolate, pizza, laughter, and the people she loves.
Reflections shaped by real moments, real people, and a life spent being present.
Karin’s first book draws from the many stories, encounters, and lessons gathered throughout her career in chaplaincy, ethics, and education. Rooted in real life and written with honesty and compassion, the book invites readers to reflect on grief, faith, meaning, and the ways we accompany one another through life’s most significant moments.
More information coming soon.
For speaking, collaboration, or updates about Karin’s upcoming book.